The Vanuatu Supreme Court has dismissed an application from the Opposition that claims the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries (PS) is illegal and it violates the Constitution.
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.”
He said that it is unacceptable that through PS positions, many Ni-Vanuatu are enjoying themselves on islands, "doing nothing but earning salaries every two weeks".
Kalsakau said he wants to see people who share the same concerns about the PS positions are satisfied with the final result of this case.
The position of the PS was created in 2013 by the then Prime Minister, Sato Kilman after seeking advice from the State Law. Former MP, Moana Carcasses was the first PS appointed in 2013.
All the PS signed contracts of employment and were paid salaries and benefits in accordance with the Official Salaries Act.
Photo supplied Caption: Leader of Opposition Ishmael Kalsakau (centre) with supporters outside the courthouse