Former permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Pita Wise, is no longer under consideration for the position of Japanese Ambassador. This information was confirmed by Public Service Commission chairman Luke Rokovada last night.
“The government has decided to withdraw its consideration of Mr. Wise,” he stated. “We are now exploring other candidates.”
This announcement follows heavy criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s initial decision to nominate Mr. Wise for the role. Mr. Wise had submitted his resignation from the Prime Minister’s office earlier this month after a complaint was lodged against him with Mr. Rabuka.
In other news, Rokovada confirmed that Education permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca will be transitioning to the Ministry of Justice, where she will officially assume her new position next Monday. Meli Nacuva, the current permanent secretary for Youth and Sports, will take over her role in education.