The Solomon Islands opposition says the appointment of a civil society representative to a key government post is a slap in the face to indigenous Solomon Islanders.
The opposition's Public Service spokesman, Milner Tozaka, says the handpicked appointment of John Roughan as secretary to the prime minister and cabinet was unfair because qualified indigenous applicants had to go through proper procedures.
Mr Tozaka says while Dr Roughan has a wide experience in social service, he has never worked as a public officer in the government to be able to cope withe the intricate system of central and provincial governments.
The country's former High Commissioner to Australia believes Dr Roughan will not be able to command and gain the support of his colleagues and the wider public service.
