Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee Soipan Tuya has pledged to consult widely if she is appointed to the position having no military background in her career.
Appearing before the Committee on Appointments for vetting, Tuya said though she has no military background, the Ministry of Defence has both a uniformed unit and a civilian unit.
“I have a lot of learning to do in terms of military operations, administration,” she said.
Tuya added that she is a team player by design and practice.
“I am also very consultative in my leadership philosophy and these are skill sets that I will have to employ heavily in terms of the need to understand the operational and administrative role of the uniformed side of the ministry,” she added.
Tuya said she understands her role of being both the principal adviser to the President and Parliament on matters of policy.
“I will bring my expertise from the civilian aspect and borrowing and learning from the uniformed aspect so that my advisory role is rich and sufficient,” she said.
She further pledged to inculcate a team spirit in the ministry, particularly at the Defence Council.
