The offer to appoint a member of civil society in Solomon Islands to a key government post is being labelled a vote of no confidence in public servants.
The opposition leader, Fred Fono, says he's surprised and perplexed that the position of secretary to prime minister and cabinet is being offered to civil society's John Roughan.
He says the role is significant in that the secretary is responsible for the co-ordination of all the permanent secretaries, or heads of government departments, and has overall control of them.
Mr Fono says he can't understand why a public servant hasn't been offered the post.
"The government or the prime minister doesn't have confidence in all the other officers that have been in public service for decades, proving themselves to be competent, experienced and qualified to be promoted to the highest post within the administration part of the government."
The Solomon Islands opposition leader, Fred Fono.
