New Law And Justice Minister Sworn-in

New Law And Justice Minister Sworn-in

The New Minister for the Ministry of Law and Justice Francis John Zama was sworn in at the Government House today by the Governor General His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena.

Mr Zama was appointed to the post after it was left vacant following the resignation of former Minister Samuel Manetoali in March this year.

He was a senior minister in the previous government - holding the post of Minister of finance and headed a number of special government and parliamentary committees.

Speaking immediately after his swearing in, Mr Zama said his immediate job now is to settle down and look at his ministry's policy directions and move forward.

"My priorities will involve a lot of issues that we need to focus on to navigate the law and justice sector forward," he said. "I will ensure we stay focus on the bottle necks and other immediate needs".

The new minister acknowledged issues involving the shortage of magistrates and other law and justice sector resources across the country - saying those are among the top priorities he will try to address.

Mr Zama also dismissed suggestions that the current difficulties surrounding the partnership between the government and RAMSI will affect the RAMSI-sponsored law and justice sector strengthening programs - particularly in infrastructural development within the justice sector.

"I will continue to work closely with RAMSI and other development partners to further strengthen the current reform and infrastructural developments within the law and justice sector," Mr Zama said.

Meanwhile, Mr Zama said his previous acquittal by the high court on charges laid against him showed how best the country's laws are respectfully discharged by court authorities.

He said people who are dissatisfied with any court decision have the right to appeal against it.

"Only the courts can determine a person's conviction or innocence and people who are unhappy with court decisions should appeal them in court," he said. "No one is above the law and justice must be allowed to take its course".

ENDS

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