CHIEF Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu has directed ministers and government boards to urgently nominate deputy officials to serve in acting positions as the government moves to implement the suspension of agency heads under NEC Decision 174/2026.
In External Circular No. 35/2026, dated July 28, Mr Pomaleu said his office is working closely with the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) to ensure the decision is implemented swiftly in accordance with the law and established government policy.
The circular, addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister and all ministers, states that each suspension and acting appointment must be managed through individual processes.
Mr Pomaleu said ministers and boards are now required to nominate the relevant deputy official from each affected agency so the Public Services Commission can undertake the necessary appointment process.
He said following consultations, the National Executive Council (NEC) will be provided with the names of officials recommended for suspension, together with the proposed terms, duration of suspensions and acting appointments.
The Chief Secretary also revealed that despite the Prime Minister’s earlier circular issued on July 22, no nominations had yet been received.
He warned that the nomination of acting officials is essential to ensure there are no leadership gaps within government agencies while the suspension process is carried out.
Mr Pomaleu urged all ministers and boards to treat the matter as urgent and cooperate fully with the Department of Personnel Management to facilitate the appointments. The circular was co