An Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) from a government ministry has been sacked and the police have been called to investigate the matter, according to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.

He made the comments during his press conference on Wednesday when he highlighted changes would be made to the Public Service Commission's policies and guidelines.

He indicated that the matter is related to government funds. However, he has not named the ACEO.

Laaulialemalietoa said an ACEO has been terminated, and the matter of misconduct is being investigated by the police.

He said that at the moment, if a public servant is guilty of breaking the law, the only penalty under the PSC regulations is a $1000 fine and or termination.

"An employee at a company can be jailed for stealing $500, but if it's a public servant, that is not the case," he said.

He said there should be a harsher penalty faced by a public servant, not just a $1000 penalty.

Laaulialemalietoa said the policies and regulations will be reviewed for this purpose, and to strengthen the guidelines public servants should follow.