Former Labour Undersecretary calls National Social Insurance Fund critics ‘cowards’

The former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour has described those opposing the implementation of the Social Insurance Scheme as “cowards,” saying they should take their concerns to Parliament or Cabinet, which enacted the law.

His remarks came after oil workers and the National Employees Union sued the Ministry of Labour at the Court of Appeal over its directive ordering employers to deduct and remit employees’ contributions to the National Social Insurance Fund, NSIF.

On September 14, workers from Dar Petroleum Operating Company, Greater Pioneer Operating Company and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company petitioned the Court of Appeal, seeking the revocation of the circular issued in February this year.

Speaking on Monday during the reception of his successor, Deng Tong Kenjok said he understands the frustration among people over the Fund.

He said it is difficult for individuals who have saved their benefits for years to entrust their money to the government for safekeeping.

“We have a challenge of NSIF, and our people, they are very ignorant outside. When the law is passed in the parliament, when the president writes an order to establish an institution, who is undersecretary to come and put it under the table. It doesn’t work like that, right?” Kenjok said.

“Because we are like a messenger, the law is ready for you to implement. I understand this frustration of our people,” he added.

However, Kenjok said concerns over the implementation of the law should be addressed at the Cabinet or parliamentary level.

“Our ministers have the privilege of sitting in Cabinet. And we are very lucky that all our ministers are MPs. If there is something wrong with the law, go back to Parliament. Go and tell your colleagues, ‘This law is not ready. Can we maybe delay it a little bit or do something?” he said.

He said the Ministry of Labour, as the implementing body, does not have the authority to stop or change the law.

Kenjok dismissed those calling for the cancellation of the order as cowards, saying the ministry is only implementing what has been passed by Cabinet and Parliament.

“If they cannot do it in Parliament, let them do it in Cabinet, where their colleagues are. Let us delay this policy. But when you come and tell an undersecretary, ‘Don’t do it,’ you are a coward. Yes, you fear the Cabinet, you fear Parliament, and you are coming to a small guy and telling him, ‘Don’t do it,’” he said.