31 May 2006

New Fiji minister urged to be positive

3:30 pm on 31 May 2006

Fiji's prime minister has urged his new minister for energy and mineral resources from the Labour Party, Lekh Ram Vyashnoi, to think positive.

Radio Legend says Laisenia Qarase's advice came after Mr Vyashnoi attacked the Public Service Commission in the media because he has not yet been given ministerial office space, a chief executive officer, a government car and a driver.

Mr Vyashnoi complained that he was being treated like a stepchild and would report it to his leader, Mahendra Chaudhry.

Mr Qarase says this is the first time Fiji has had a multi-party cabinet and it will take some time for things to be sorted out.

Mr Qarase says rather than starting on a negative note, Mr Vyashnoi should understand the workings of the Public Service Commission which was caught by surprise with the creation of new ministries for the multi-party cabinet.

The prime minister says he is sure the PSC is trying its best to find suitable accommodation and provide him with all the necessary facilities as well.

The chief executive of the PSC, Anare Jale, says there has been a breakdown in communications with Mr Vyashnoi but the matter is being sorted out.