Parliamentary Secretaries case

This week the court dismissed claims the appointments violated the constitution despite the Opposition arguing they were not provided for under the constitution or law, yet were being paid out of public funds.

Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau said the issue needs to be resolved urgently as it may affect the next session of parliament on 7 June.

Mr Kalsakau said while he respects the justice system, if the judgment is allowed to stand then it represents a very bad law as it removes the supremacy of Parliament and renders it subservient to the Government.

The court ruled the Prime Minister has the powers to appoint Parliamentary Secretaries under the Constitution.

Opposition Leader, Ishmael Kalsakau and Opposition MPs filed a constitutional case last month challenging the validity of the PS positions, saying they have no legal basis and have wasted millions of public monies.

Outside the courthouse on Monday, Kalsakau said his lawyer will go through the judgement before they decide what further action they would take.

“We will read the judgment before we go to the Court of Appeal.”