United Resource Party slams manner in which Duma was sacked

THE United Resource Party has expressed disappointment over the manner their parliamentary leader and Minister for Petroleum and Energy William Duma was sacked, The National reports.

Deputy leader and Eastern Highlands Governor Malcolm Kela-Smith, in a media conference with Duma and Dei MP Puri Ruing expressed disappointment over the method of communication by acting Prime Minister Sam Abal.

“We feel there is lack of professionalism,” Kela-Smith said.

Duma said he had yet to receive any formal letter of dismissal from Abal and he only learnt of his sacking in the media.

He said the URP had been meeting since Monday and the party had not made a formal decision on its position on the sacking.

“We do not know whether the removal of the party leader also means the party is also expelled from government.

“As the leader of the second largest coalition party in government, I have not been informed of my removal. I learnt it in the media and I feel disappointed.”

Duma said URP had a special relationship with Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and had been very loyal since 2002 and URP was also a signatory to the Warangoi Accord to form government.

Duma also said his people and supporters in Mt Hagen were also disappointed over the sacking.

He said the media speculations that the petroleum and energy portfolio would go to another URP member was not true as it was the prerogative of the prime minister to make appointments.

“Not one single party has the right to claim a ministerial portfolio,” Duma said.

 

Lenalia to head probe

KOKOPO-based judge Justice Salatiel Lenalia replaces Sir Kubulan Los as chairman of the Arthur Somare leadership tribunal, The National reports.

The tribunal will begin sitting on July 4 at 9.30am at the Waigani National and Supreme Court room No.7.

At that time, Somare, the member for Angoram and Minister for Public Enterprises, will know whether he is suspended from office for the duration of the tribunal.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia made the announcement in Port Moresby yesterday, confirming that the two other members of the tribunal would remain. They are principal magistrate Orim Karapo and senior magistrate Noreen Kanasa, who were appointed in 2006 by the former (and now deceased) Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi.

The appointment of the new chairman followed the decision of the National Court last Friday, in OS No. 818 of 2006 (judicial review) Arthur Somare versus Ila Geno & Others, which dismissed those proceedings.

Sir Salamo said last Friday’s decision handed down by Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika effectively paved the way for the new chairman to be appointed.

Sir Kubulan has retired. 

In a statement yesterday, the chief justice invited parties to file necessary documents to the tribunal via the National Court registry.

In reference to whether the leader holds office during the duration of the tribunal hearing, the CJ said in a media statement that “for avoidance of doubt, pursuant to section 28 of the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership and the latest decision of the Supreme Court on the question of suspension in Patrick Pruaitch V Chronox Manek & Others (2011) SC 1093, the question of suspension, if any, is to be determined by the tribunal”.

The tribunal will look into allegations of official misconduct against Somare.

Sir Mekere Morauta - the great reformer of our times

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

While he did not remain long in office, this Papuan Knight and former PNG Prime Minister; Sir Mekere Morauta will long be remembered over his peers as a great political reformist.

Among important policy changes he did as a PM, the citizens have come to remember him well for his fundamental reforms in PNG’s financial sector. 

Unlike other former PMs who lacked the political will and commitment to make a difference, Sir Mekere inherited his predecessor’s liability and immediately cleaned up any remaining problem areas in the country’s financial sector. 

As PM, Sir Mekere reformed the following public entities:

·         Minerals Resources Development Corporation (MRDC).  Key actions taken were: To protect the landowner interest groups, pushed for legislation removing political interference by MPs, regulatory regime similar to the Superannuation Act 2000, outsourcing investment management, Central Bank oversight and a ‘fit and proper persons’ test.

·         Workers Mutual Insurance.    To protect many thousands of contributors, he re-established the Worker’s Mutual Insurance at a cost of K 19 million, outsourcing investment management and conducted a major inquiry into its collapse as prelude to reforms of the existing Insurance Act.

·         Pacific Balanced Fund.  Acting on major Inquiry recommendations, resolved current impasse by appointing new trustees and investment manager.

·         Securities Commission.  The commission was revamped to strengthen its weak and ineffective status.  This action gave it stronger powers and independence to pursue white-collar criminal activity by corporate bodies.

·         Rural Development Bank (now called the National Development Bank – NDB).  The bank was continually under capitalised with much political interference.  A review of the new act followed to protect the interests of small rural-based entrepreneurs.  With current regulatory regime the NDB under the Central Bank includes: appointment of independent directors similar to the old IPBC board make up of ex officio directors and a fit and proper persons test.

The financial reforms greatly improved the efficiency of the economy which among other things: restored independence to the IPBC, facilitated instructions to IPBC as a matter of priority to develop ‘community service obligations’ in such important areas of: power, water, telecommunications and airlines to deliver services to rural PNG. 

The commitment to phase out the former Telikom monopoly by increasing competition in telecommunications, and other monopoly service providers achieved positive outcomes: increase in jobs, services and tax revenues.

Furthermore, a full review and reform of the Electoral Commission included: an audit of existing roles, registration of eligible voters and more voter awareness education programmes.

To further boost the national economy, his plans to phase in competition in the airlines and to establish an Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) with wide sweeping powers were mooted widely then, but Sir Mekere did not finish what he started when he left to hand over to a new administration after the 2002 national elections.

Presently, the last two political regimes under the current government have consistently demonstrated an inability to initiate much-needed political reforms from where this great reformist PM left off.

Despite pressing needs, current PM has unfortunately not ensured real and innovative political reforms to improve the country’s financial sector.   

Papua New Guineans are only hoping and praying that our country gets another reformist leader like Sir Mekere Morauta after the 2012 national elections to make the required political reforms PNG so desperately needs in future.

 

Basil engages with rural communities in the highlands

Sam Basil flanked with Kiamuga  congregation members,  Eastern Highlands province

Deputy Leader of Opposition Sam Basil has began engaging with rural population to educate them on current state of the nation, parliament and politics in general.

Sam Basil and Francis Kap in Peace Valley Village , Baiyer  River Western Highlands province

“The people must know what their leaders are doing and the state of the nation as a result of that leadership. It’s their right – and it should be our privilege to serve them in this way,” Basil said.

In what was his first official trip since becoming Deputy Leader of Opposition, Basil travelled to Mul-Baiyer electorate to one of Lae’s long time businessman Koi Trappe to pay respects to Trappe’s late mother, Ms Mano Enta on Saturday June 4.

Trappe is the managing director of Traisa Transport one of the premier transport companies operating between Lae and Highlands for over 30 years contributing to Lae’s economic development.

Koi’s contribution to Morobe, Highlands and Papua New Guinea prompted Basil, on behalf of Morobe leaders, people and the Opposition,  to show respect and contribute K2,000 to the haus krai at Kenakyausa village Mul-Baiyer District.

The Tralea tribe asked Basil to give a brief about the current affairs of the nation, parliament and politics in PNG.

Basil told the Tralea tribe that while the overall economic indicators show that PNG was growing, basic processes of governance were not being handled right resulting in a mismatch between economic indicators and social development indicators.

He described the Mul-Baiyer District as another hidden paradise which like many others in PNG were so unique with wonderful people struggling to make life bearable for themselves and their children.

“They don’t need much to be satisfied – access to roads, transport and markets; functioning, stocked, and adequately staffed basic health services; utilities like piped water, communication and power are all that they need,” Basil said.

“These will be our focus as an alternative Government: when in power we will empower the rural communities with this basic services.”

Basil worshipped with the Kiamuga Lutheran congregation of Yamiyufa Lutheran Church in the Lower Asaro area in the Eastern Highland province on the way back where he donated K1,000 to the local church.

In a brief statement, on the current state of the nation and Parliament, he assured them that the alternative government would ensure that the government and churches partnership was adequately resourced to develop citizens of integrity, honesty and respect – keys to law, order and harmonious living in communities, districts, provinces and PNG as a whole.

The experience has fuelled the Deputy Opposition Leader’s resolve to tour as many rural electorates – upon invitation – educating them on the parliament, national issues and politics and hearing what the grassroots people of Papua New Guinea have to say. 

Basil queries delay on finance inquiry report and actions

Deputy Leader of Opposition and Bulolo MP Sam Basil has called on the Government to explain the delay on what is the most-expensive and prolonged commission of inquiry – the one into the Department of Finance since 2007.

"Many months and many millions of kina went into the Commission of Inquiry into the Department of Finance. And what have we got to show for it?" Basil said.

The Inquiry was looking into over 3000 entries recorded in the Finance Department's Cash Book Report of transactions of K300,000 and above from 1 January 2000 to 31 July 2006.

This was later expended.

"We cannot implement its recommendations. People who have committed crimes cannot even be charged. Money that should not have been paid cannot be recovered," a concerned Mr Basil said.

The Bulolo MP described as "puzzling" the fact that a successful court order was made to effectively "put a lock on that report" when millions (up to K10 million) was already spent to ensure that hearings and findings were recorded.

"Many people in this nation are no doubt suspicious about that order: how it came to be made, when it came to be made and where it came to be made," Basil added.

"But we, of the Opposition, respect the fact that a judge of the National Court chose to make such an order. The questions which must now be asked, given the many months which have elaspsed since that order was made, are (1) why has nothing been done about that order? and (2) when will something be done?"

The Deputy Opposition Leader added: "If the gag order was made as a temporary order by a National Court judge then the matter should have been taken before another judge with an application to set that order aside. Alternatively, the order of the National Court should have been the subject of an appeal to the Supreme Court, coupled with a request to have the matter heard as a matter of urgency."

The opposition pointed out that the directions to follow-up falls within the duty statement or jurisdiction of the Minister for Justice and Attorney General Hon Sir Arnold Amet.

"This is an area for which the Attorney General is responsible. As a former Chief Justice, the learned lawyer, cannot use ignorance of the law and judicial process as an excuse," Basil said.

"If the Attorney General cannot entrust this instructions to the State Solicitor to try to get rid of this gag order because of potential conflict of interest arising from contents of the Commission of Inquiry Report, what's to stop Sir Arnold outsourcing the matter for a private law firm to do something about it as soon as possible?" He said.

"But the bottom line is: millions of taxpayers' money – supposed to be used for the benefit of the people – has been abused in questionable ways by those entrusted to ensure proper usage. These public servants – and their political masters – are all paid to do these jobs," Mr Basil said.

"If they failed and mishandled funds, they must face the consequences of their actions. The Commission of Inquiry cost the taxpayers another K10 million or so to hear, ascertain and determine its findings. The people cannot be double-denied justice because no one is attempting to free the report from the court gagging," Basil said.

Health is next

Abal demands answers over use of donor funds

 

ACTING Prime Minister Sam Abal has ordered an investigation into allegations of gross abuse and mismanagement of funds earmarked for Papua New Guinea under the Global Fund for the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, The National reports.

He directed Health Minister Sasa Zibe, in a letter last week, for an urgent report on the allegations.

He reiterated that if found to contain gross irregularities, abuse and mismanagement, he would instruct for a full inquiry into the administration of the funds.

Adamant to see his undertaking through and to ensure Papua New Guinea safeguarded its credibility as a legi-timate and credible donor-recipient country, Abal had demanded an urgent response from Zibe.

“I have directed the health minister to look into this allegation and report to me immediately on whether the allegation is true,” Abal said.

Abal said: “I am concerned that unless the government takes full cognizance and control of this matter, we stand to lose our legitimacy as a worthy, credible and trusted recipient of international donor aid and technical assistance.

“If unscrupulous persons are involved, they will be identified and dealt with severely.

“Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken to stop such practices,” the acting prime minister said.

“I want our institutions of government to be good and trusted custodians of financial support being made available to assist PNG by international organisations, charitable groups, governments and philanthropic organisations to help improve our social conditions such as health.”

Global Fund this month decided to select a new principle recipient to carry out some of the financial and administrative responsibilities previously carried out by the Health Department.

This followed allegations that the department was mismanaging the grants.

Abal said: “These are monies meant to complement the government’s own effort to reduce life-threatening scourges and epidemics such as HIV/AIDS that focuses ultimately on making this nation a healthy and progressive nation.

“Monies for purposes such as this must be governed with accountability of purpose.

“As acting Prime Minister, I will not tolerate such practices going on inside government instrumentalities.

“There are enough examples around us and we must seek collective resolve to stop such malpractices once and for all,” Abal said.

 

Car theft turns ugly for youths

Carjacking ends in disaster … Paramedics from the St John Ambulance service in Port Moresby attending to two wounded suspects (pictured left and right) after an exchange of gunfire with police yesterday following an alleged carjacking incident. Another suspect, who is lying next to the right rear wheel of the stolen dark blue CRV, reportedly died. However, there were no external wounds on the dead person to justify him being shot. Two others fled on foot when they were cornered near the Tokam Police Barracks

at Waigani. – Nationalpic by EKAR KEAPU

 

By ANGELINE KARIUS

 

A SUSPECT is dead while two others suffered gunshot wounds in a shootout with police outside the Tokam Police Barracks in Port Moresby yesterday, The National reports.

The three were part of a gang believed to have stolen a dark-blue CRV, registration BCF 474, at Gerehu yesterday afternoon.

Police gave chase from the university roundabout at about 2pm.

Police reportedly returned fire after the suspects began shooting, wounding two in the process, one died after being cornered and disarmed while two others fled the scene.

Police could not confirm whether the man who died at the scene was shot.

The five men were caught when their getaway vehicle ran off the road and into a ditch along Cormorant Street, opposite the Boreboa Primary School after crashing into several other vehicles, including a police double-cab utility.

The shootout attracted hundreds of people from the neighbourhood with police directing traffic at the intersection between Cormorant and Pitpit streets in the North Waigani area.

Several support units from police stations around Port Moresby responded to the carjacking when the matter was reported and relayed on police radio.

NCD metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop could not be reached for comments.

Agiru called on to explain investigation

By YVONNE HAIP

 

PARENTS and teachers in Southern Highlands are calling on Governor Anderson Agiru to explain why the findings of an investigation team into falling education standards have yet to be made public, The National reports.

The provincial government sanctioned an investigation in January to look into the drop in standards of education in the province.

The investigation team was set up after examination results showed the pass rate of students in secondary schools was in a downward spiral.

But James Waiya Mange, who taught for more than 40 years, said the investigating team had yet to start work.

Speaking on behalf of parents, concerned citizens, teachers, boards of governors and other stakeholders, he said the long delay, especially as it was already mid-year, was a concern.

He said school examinations were around the corner once term two ended and the findings of the investigation needed to be made known.

He said the very poor output of all provincial secondary schools showed Grade 10 and Grade 12 marks continued to drop.

He said that resulted in most students missing out on spaces in tertiary institutions.

Mange said the prompt action taken by the governor and his administration in appointing and funding the team of investigators had been timely, the people had yet to know the probe’s results.

He said if the provincial administration had attended to all its obligations, there would not have been unnecessary delay as it was taking five months to get the committee assembled in Mendi and move into the districts.

He said along with the progress of the rich LNG project, the province needed to build its human resources so that the younger generation could take part meaningfully as the project developed.

 

Polye, Duma deny sacking

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

PAPUA New Guinea is a thriving democracy that does not allow for blackmail, pressure or intimidation of leaders, ousted Foreign Affairs Minister and Kandep MP Don Polye said yesterday, The National reports.

Polye made it clear that leadership "is not a tradable commodity and cannot be sold, bought and given on a golden platter".

He said this when denying media reports of being threatened to hand over the deputy leadership of National Alliance Party to acting Prime Minister Sam Abal.

Polye, who arrived from South Korea, said in a joint media conference with ousted Petroleum Minister William Duma that they refused to comment on media speculation of their sackings.

Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal confirmed yesterday that the two ministers had been removed from their respective ministries and that he was considering other candidates as replacement.

They claimed to be an integral part of government.

Polye was visited in the VIP lounge by Momase deputy leader Patrick Pruaitch, who gave an assurance of the stability of the National Alliance deputy leaders.

"National Alliance is in sympathy with our leader who is in hospital. Whatever that came out in the media, we refuse to believe, we went through thick and thin to get this government in place," Polye said.

He denied having discussions with Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Sani Rambi on the leadership issue.

Duma said that he was leader of the United Resource Party, which had been very loyal to the prime minister and a party that was a signatory to the Warangoi Accord on the formation of government in Kokopo.

"At this stage, I cannot be making any comment.

"I am loyal and no politician can question my loyalty unlike some National Alliance MPs who have question marks over their integrity," Duma said.

"I have not been informed of my purported sacking. I cannot comment on something that has not been conveyed to me personally."

Duma said, as leader of a political party in the coalition government, courtesy demanded he was told of any political changes.

"What I am saying is that the media is lying about the whole thing.

"We are the government and we are an integral part of government."

Duma refused to pre-empt any action by the United Resources Party based on the media reports.

 

 

Abal: Sacking is now official

ACTING Prime Minister Sam Abal yesterday confirmed the sacking of two senior cabinet ministers, The National reports.

Gone are Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Don Polye and Minister for Petroleum and Energy William Duma.

"I have exercised my full powers as acting prime minister to remove the portfolio responsibilities from Polye and Duma," Abal said.

"However, they still remain members of their parties in government."

Polye and Duma, in a joint press conference, expressed disbelief and said they had not been informed of their removal as ministers (see page 2 report).

"I signed instruments of revocation of these portfolios last week," Abal said.

"I am considering filling in the vacancies that have been created."

Abal said stability of government was paramount.

"Discipline and control are needed to maintain assertive leadership.

"Over the few months that I have been tasked by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to lead government, discipline has been lacking in cabinet.

"There must be cohesion, consolidation and solidarity in government.

"We are a coalition government and we must have the zeal to work together for the good of our people.

"I have observed ministers causing insubordination to the extent that they are not cooperating in the job of governing this country for the common good of our people.

"They are not putting national interest before their own.

"It is my duty to ensure discipline in cabinet is maintained without allowing personal leadership interests to stand in the way, and for cooperative leadership from all coalition partners, for the common good of all Papua New Guineans.

"I am forced to demonstrate leadership authority to make decisions that satisfies more people than just a few.

"I must demonstrate control of government as well as for the sake of the country," Abal said.

 

 

Babuaf people celebrate aid post, staff house and water supply projects opening

Caption: No more travelling long distances – the Babuaf aid post packed with people last Friday

 

Throbbing kundu drums, tribal chants and a magical display of fine traditional regalia marked the opening of a new aid post, staff house and water supply projects for the people of Wonkins and Kapunung last Friday.

It was a proud occasion for the Babuaf communities from the Lower Watut Region in Morobe province as it also marked the construction and completion of 14 water supply projects for the other villages.

This was witnessed by an emotional Wampar local level government president,Peter Namus, Morobe provincial government (MPG) provincial programme advisor health Dr Likei Theo and representatives from Lutheran Development Services (LDS) and Morobe Mining Joint Ventures (MMJV).

Centrally located at Wongkins, the aid post will serve 10 villages including Pekumbe, Malarina, Tsilitsili, Mafanazo, Uruf, Benseng, Wampan, Chiatz and Kapungung and will be staffed and receive medical supplies from the MPG district health services programme.

The projects were funded by MMJV and constructed by LDS with the villagers contributing sweat equity that saw the project through to completion.

The water supplies were constructed by LDS while the villagers build the aid post and the staff house. 

Many were unable to stem the flow of tears, as the occasion marked the beginning of the end of many years of difficult traveling that had unfortunately claimed the lives of many villagers, including children, mothers and babies during child birth.

Namus, when addressing the people, stressed the need for government and communities to strengthen ties and work with development partners such as MMJV and non-government organisations such as LDS to help facilitate service delivery to the people.

Namus said it took more than 30 years for such services to come to the area.

“By building standards, the aid post may seem small; but by its very nature it is a significant development project for us as a people,” he said.

Dr Theo echoed Namus, saying there had not been any real service provided for the people of Lower Watut for many years.

“This is the result of working together!

“ Creating partnerships with organisations and in this case, partnership with MMJV and LDS where we are fortunate to receive the aid post and water supplies,” he said.

MMJV’s community and regional development projects manager, Romias Mills Waki said the occasion signified positive achievements and progress.

Again stressing the theme of partnerships,  Waki said through interaction with government, NGOs and most importantly with the support of people and their leaders, MMJV were able to implement the projects.

“The company will not take over the role of the government to deliver services but is committed to work together through partnerships that would enable delivery of vital services to the local people, bearing in mind it has to be tied into wards, LLG districts, provincial and national government plans and priorities.”

He  commended the people and encouraged them to take care of the infrastructure.

Production at Ok Tedi still suspended

Production at the giant Ok Tedi mine in the Western province is still suspended after four localised ruptures to its pyrite concentrate waste pipeline last month.

The ruptures occurred in a small section of the pipeline that runs from its tailings processing plant to underwater storage pits located at Bige.

The ruptures were mainly caused by the scouring of the pipe as the slurry travelled through the pipeline which is buried under the road. Investigations to determine the condition of the full length of the pipeline are still progressing.

As soon as the ruptures were reported, OTML took immediate steps to shut down the pipeline, however,  this did not prevent some of the pyrite concentrate that was still in the pipeline spilling into the environment.

It is estimated that between 100 and 200 cubic metres of pyrite concentrate was lost through the ruptures.

A team of officers from OTML’s environment and community relations departments are working with the local communities to clean up areas affected by the spill.

Due to the steep terrain,  the clean up may take several more weeks to complete.

Monitoring of these areas including the creeks and streams where the spill has entered is still ongoing.

Current results from the sampling and monitoring program has indicated that while the bulk of the pyrite remains close to the points of rupture,  some pyrite is visible in streams up to 2km downstream of the ruptures.

All efforts are being made to trap and remove pyrite concentrate in the affected streams.

Water monitoring to date shows that apart from an initial flush of process water during the rupture, the water quality of the impacted streams has not been affected.

Water samples collected downstream of the pyrite ruptures indicate that the water is safe to use.

Pyrite is a natural mineral containing both iron and sulphur and is commonly found in rocks, especially those that contain valuable metals like gold or copper.

Pyrite can be potentially harmful to the environment because on exposure to air and water it can slowly produce acid.

Results from monitoring of the impacted streams to date shows no evidence of acidification occurring, however,  monitoring will be ongoing both during and after the spill cleanup.

 OTML managing director, Nigel Parker has said that everything possible was being done to ensure the communities were not affected by the spill “and we will be communicating to the communities the results of the environmental assays for water quality”.

Parker added that OTML had had discussions with the impacted communities and the State on its plans to recommence production while the pipeline was being repaired but said the decision to recommence production must have approval from the communities and the state.

Meanwhile, the company refutes claims of local communities being affected by the spills.

Parker stated that officers from the OTML community relations and environment departments were monitoring the situation on a daily basis and there had been no such incidents reported.

OTML is a 100% PNG-owned company and in 2010 it contributed 18% to PNG’s gross domestic product and 32% in export earnings.

Aussie miner eyes PNG projects

PERTH-based gold and uranium developer Siburan Resources last Thursday told the market that it had initiated reviews and discussions with potential strategic partners in PNG, with the aim of acquiring mineral pro­jects in that country, The National reports.

According to Mining Weekly last week, Siburan said in a statement that the PNG move was consistent with its strategy of adding diverse opportunities, in prospective mineral regions to its current portfolio.

“PNG is famous for its large multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Porgera, Lihir and also the OK Tedi copper mine,” managing director Noel Ong said.

He added that PNG had been ranked as the 11th  largest gold producer in the world over the past few years and was also emerging as a significant copper producer.

“PNG is enjoying its longest run of economic growth since independence.

“In 2009, despite the international recession, the PNG economy grew by 4.5% and the most recent budget is forecasting growth at 8%,” Ong said.

He said Siburan was “very excited” to be reviewing opportunities in PNG.

“I believe that by taking these initial steps, we can establish ourselves in a country that is prospective for a whole range of minerals.

“We are currently in discussions with potential strategic local partners that may lead to Siburan entering into joint-venture opportunities in PNG.”

Ong said with the experience of the Siburan team and a well-funded exploration budget, the company was confident of establishing a presence in PNG.

Siburan has a number of gold and uranium exploration projects in Australia, with its gold exploration projects located in the Kalgoorlie goldfields of Western Australia.

 

Polye, Duma sacked

Abal shows muscle over insubordination and LNG issues

 

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

ACTING Prime Minister Sam Abal has finally flexed some muscle, The National reports.

He is expected to announce today disciplinary actions he had taken against two ministers.

Government sources said last night that Abal last Friday signed instruments terminating ministers Don Polye (Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigrations) and William Duma (Petroleum and Energy).

Reasons for the tough disciplinary actions were yet unknown but sources claimed last night that Polye, who is deputy leader of the National Alliance highlands faction, was cited for insubordination.

A tussle over the leadership of the faction had been brewing between Abal and Polye since the former was named deputy prime minister.

Duma is parliamentary leader of the United Resources Party, the second largest party in the coalition government.

His sacking, it was understood, was in relation to concerns over his leadership of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project and licencing issues within his department.

From another direction, a court decision on Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare’s long-running case has now paved the way for the appointment of a leadership tribunal.

Were this to happen, the ruling party would be rocked with the absence of the prime minister and the displacement of key ministers.

The highlands region has the biggest number of NA parliamentary members but sources said members from the region had been split with some showing support for Polye while others were behind the acting prime minister.

The sacking was an indication that a bulk of the highlands faction had finally shifted its allegiance towards Abal.

Over the past few months, the National Alliance was also split over the interim party leadership after a vacancy existed when party leader Sir Michael Somare underwent surgery in Singapore.

Sir Michael had undergone two operations in Singapore and had taken almost two months off from work, creating a vacancy in the party leadership which NA members had tried to elect a party leader but that did not eventuate as there was a split within the party.

Sir Michael is still in intensive care at the hospital.

Sources said Polye was also vying for the interim party leadership while Abal was said to be backed by other members of the party for the same post.

NA Momase deputy party leader Patrick Pruiatch is also vying for the party leadership and it is understood the southern and NGI factions may be supporting his candidacy.

However, sources said the leadership issue had not been resolved but the sacking of Polye was likely to create more disunity within the party with less than a year before the general election.

Duma and Polye could not be contacted last night.

 

Somare to face tribunal

By JULIA DAIA BORE

 

ANGORAM MP and Minister of Public Enterprises Arthur Somare will face the leadership tribunal, The National reports.

The Waigani National Court has dismissed all the grounds of bias the minister had claimed in seeking a judicial review against the Ombudsman Commission in his last-ditch attempt to stop his referral.  

The ruling effectively meant that the leadership tribunal, set up on Sept 15, 2006, by the chief justice to deal with Somare’s alleged official misconduct relating to the disbursement and acquittals of the district support grants, would now resume.

However, Somare would not step down automatically as a leader, as per a recent three-judge Supreme Court decision on March 31.

Then justices Bernard Sakora, Salatiel Lenalia and George Manuhu ruled on the Patrick Pruaitch matter which set a precedent that the “question of a leader’s suspension takes place when the tribunal, hearing the leader’s case, convenes and seizes jurisdiction to decide whether to suspend the leader”.

Lawyers dealing with the matter last Friday said the matter was now in the chief justice’s jurisdiction.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia had appointed the tribunal members but, with the retirement of chairman Sir Kululan Los, a replacement was needed.

Other tribunal members included district magistrates Orim Karapo and Noreen Kanasa.

In his decision handed down last Friday, Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika said: “The decision to refer, in my respectful opinion, is not unreasonable and capricious in the circumstances and, as such, the OC did not act in excess of its jurisdiction to refer.

“In the end result, all the grounds for judicial review are dismissed as having no merit,” Salika said, and ordered Somare to pay the costs of the judicial review bid.

He also asked: “Was the referral unreasonable?

“Again, taking into account all that happened from May 27, 2005, up to Feb 28, 2006, the evidence did not support an unreasonable referral. I reject this contention as well.”

On the issue of whether the decision to refer Somare was capricious; Salika ruled: “Capricious is an adjective and comes from the noun caprice, which means – sudden change in attitude or behaviour with no obvious cause (taken from Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary).

“Was the decision to refer the applicant to the public prosecutor capricious?

“Again, from all of the evidence, with respect, I do not think the decision to refer (by OC to public prosecutor) was capricious.”

Salika said: “It was obvious the OC was going to have to make a decision sooner and it did.

“In that regard, I do not consider the decision to refer to be capricious. The commission received the relevant acquittal documents and, therefore, made the decision to refer.

“The decision to refer was not unreasonable and capricious in the circumstances and, as such, the OC did not act in excess of its jurisdiction to refer,” Salika said.

The OC, on its own initiative, conducted investigations into the accessibility and application of the 2002 district support grants by all 109 members of parliament.

As 2002 was a general election year, and there was much concern raised over the misappropriation of the 2002 DSG funds before the general election, the OC decided that it would put out a stop to the payment of the DSG if it sent out a directive.

Following this, notices were publicised in the media of its intentions and follow-up of investigations established with the relevant leaders; Somare was listed number 16 on the directives sent out to the leaders.

In February 2005, the OC served on Somare, his right to be heard notice dated Feb 11, 2005, with allowance of 21 days for Somare to respond.

Bautama blocked

Caption: Calling for action ... Residents and villagers along the Magi Highway, including Koiaris and Motuans armed with bush knives, in Central last Friday blocked off the Bautama junction in protest over the lack of action into a double murder two weeks ago. Road users from the Motuan coastline, including Rigo and Abau districts, were restricted from getting into the capital city from as early as 4am. The protesters also petitioned for the eviction of the 6-Mile settlement and for justice to be served on those responsible for the killings. A four-day ultimatum, which expires today, was issued.– Nationalpic by EKAR KEAPU

 

By ANGELINE KARIUS

 

TENSION is on a knife’s edge after bush-knife wielding Koiaris and Motuans blocked the Bautama junction last Friday in protest over the lack of action into a double murder there two weeks ago, The National reports,

All road users along the highway from the Motuan coastline, including Rigo and Abau districts, were restricted from getting into the capital city from 4am last Friday.

At the scene, agitated and armed youths guarded part of the road for 5km leading to a gathering of Koiaris waiting to hand over a petition to government officials.

The Koiaris gave a four-day ultimatum which would expire today for the provincial and national governments. They wanted:

·         Both Goilala politicians, Governor Alphonse Moroi and Goilala MP Matthew Poiya to meet all funeral expenses for the two deaths;

·         Payment of K2 million as compensation;

·         Increase in police personnel at Bautama to be stationed at Koiari and Motuan villages along the Magi Highway;

·         Reintroducing the Vagrancy Act and death penalty; and

·         Creation of a Koiari open electorate to ensure sustainable socio-economic activities in the area, including transport, electricity and water supply.

The action was sparked by a double murder in the area two weekends ago when a Grade 10 student from Mt Diamond Secondary School was murdered at his Madowate village. 

Koiari committee chairman Rev Baru Gou said failure by the government to address the petition would result in “further actions”.  

He did not say what those actions would be, only that they would be revealed when the deadline expired.

He said locals had been living in fear and “enough was enough”.

After the handover of the petition, several houses belonging to the Goilalas at the 6-Mile dump settlement known as ‘Dark Street’ were burnt to the ground. 

Police yesterday confirmed the flare-up, saying more than 40 makeshift homes were completely burnt to the ground.

However, quick response by the police, led by NCD metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop, stopped further destruction in the area.

It was unclear how many Goilala families had been affected.

 

Micah: It's now or never!

By MALUM NALU

Former Kavieng MP Ben Micah says the need for good leadership in Papua New Guinea has never been greater than now.

He said this when officiating at a two-day workshop for intending candidates for the 2012 elections titled ‘Winning strategies for a successful political election campaign’ at Aku Lodge in Boroko, which is also being attended by officials of various political parties and non-government organisations.

“The demand for good leadership is greater than ever before,” Micah said.

“Papua New Guinea has a lot of leadership potential, but there is no leadership.

“The 109 people chosen from the six million people is very critical in the 2012 elections.

“It is critical that they elect men and women who know how to lead.

“Papua New Guinea is looking for transformational leaders.

“We are not focusing on transformational leaders, that’s why the country is entering a serious case of leadership crisis.”

Micah said the current level of leadership was very depressing to him.

“I’m afraid, I’m scared,” he said.

“In the next elections, if the people don’t elect transformational leaders, the country will disintegrate.

“I don’t see a clear future for this country.

“I’m not a prophet of doom, but a realist.

“The Electoral Commission must run a fair and transparent election in 2012.”

The workshop, which has attracted intending candidates, political parties and non government organizations, continues today.

Topics discussed today included election strategy development process, pre-election preparation, assessing readiness to contest for public office, analysis of voting trends, and networking.

Tomorrow’s topics include maximising the power of words, communication methods, designing a winning strategy and implementation plan, and running a successful election campaign, before closure by NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

It is being facilitated by former Institute of National Affairs and Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council staffer John Varey.

New political group formed

By MALUM NALU

Former Kavieng MP Ben Micah today (Sunday, June 05, 2011) announced the formation of a new political movement in the build-up to next year’s election.

To be known as Movement For Change, the movement will be across party lines, and will be looking at making a change from the last 35 years of independence.

Micah made the announcement at a two-day workshop for intending candidates for the 2012 elections titled ‘Winning strategies for a successful election campaign’ at Aku Lodge in Boroko.

It will be officially launched in Goroka next month.

“This is going to be across party lines,” he said.

“We are setting up a movement independent of political parties.

“I believe that if we work together, we can mobilise the people.

“We want to talk now about fundamental change.”

The movement will be officially launched in Goroka next month.

Opposition advisor Reg Renagi said people wanted a complete paradigm shift from the last 35 years.

“We need this grassroots movement,” he said.

“Thirty-five years is a long time.

“Right now the ruling regime has lost the plot.

“We need the support of both sides of parliament.”

People's house starts slow

By REG RENAGI

The public in 2011 did not expect parliament to rise on a high note since closing shop last year to give itself a six - month holiday.

Last May, PNG’s 8^th National Parliament started in usual fashion. 

Proceedings started slow and low key. 

The house got down to business and from the public gallery, some key differences could be observed. 

Three prominent figures making up any robust parliamentary debate sessions were notably missing from the chamber. 

The Prime Minister, Opposition leader and the Speaker of the House were not at their seats on the preliminary proceedings. 

Prime Minister Somare was abroad seeking medical treatment and new Opposition Leader, Belden Namah was also visiting his family overseas on medical treatment. 

Speaker Jeffrey Nape was conveniently unavailable since parliament adjourned last year, with many speculating his whereabouts since last year.

During three weeks of this year’s first parliament sitting, general business of parliament has not really improved much over the years. 

Proceedings would start very late with government consistently failing to provide the required numbers for a quorum.

When MPs did debate “hot” issues on the floor, the Speaker would almost always gag discussions initiated by the parliamentary opposition party.

Last month’s May session had many outstanding issues being debated by MPs from both sides criticising each other amidst raised voices. 

 The more passionate even let slip a few colourful language. 

Many issues were presented as Ministerial statements (and reports) being tabled by MPs for information, and relevant state agencies to take note and act on them.

Sitting directly overlooking the government side, new Opposition Leader, Belden Namah and his firebrand deputy, Sam Basil were true to form in their first-time job as the “new kids on the block”. 

 Both excelled well as they took to task, Acting PM, Sam Abal and government senior ministers over many and wide-ranging policy issues. 

The government’s responses were as usual, both long and evasive in nature; and lacking any real substance.

Among others, the most controversial issue so far has been the many questions asked of the Acting PM, Sam Abal by Belden Namah to explain clearly to citizens, what is the true state of PM Somare’s health condition for him to be given ‘a leave of absence’ for this session of parliament.

Today, the public is now widely speculating whether PNG will have a new PM in 2011 due to PM Somare’s prevailing health condition. 

Papua New Guineans will soon know whether it is time for the government’s succession plan to be activated when parliament rises for another three weeks.

 

REGINALD RENAGI

Port Moresby

 

 

Reward for information about PNG Blogs

The NASFUND Board is aware of various articles posted on the blog site, PNG BLOGS and now being circulated via e mail which are factually incorrect, malicious in nature and defamatory.

 The articles are not only a serious attack on the integrity of the NASFUND Board and management it is a mischievous attempt to create confusion and instability amongst the contributors of NASFUND.

The author of these articles has used the cloak of anonymity aided by the named website in perpetrating this cowardly and criminal smear campaign.

An investigation to establish the identities of the persons involved is ongoing and a reward of K 50,000.00 is now offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of both the author of the articles and the persons responsible for publishing it on this blog or any general media.

 

All information received shall be treated confidentially and should be forwarded to:

 

Ernie Gangloff

Independent ex Officio NASFUND Board

C/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Level 12 Deloitte

P.O. Box 1275

Port Moresby

Email: Egangloff@deloitte.com.pg

 

 

Authorized by:

 

NASFUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

Joint CEO, Rod Mitchell's Statement

 

I will preface this statement with the following quote from author Kevin Donnelly

 

“Deciding between competing rights and balancing rights with responsibilities is difficult and challenging, no more than in relation to freedom of religion, expression and belief. As common sense suggests, not all rights are absolute and there are occasions when particular rights have to be qualified or curtailed. Freedom of expression does not give one the licence to shout “fire” in a crowed cinema”

 

A number of issues in relation to allegations made on a blog site and reproduced in scurrilous form by email circulation through out PNG can be drawn from the above quotation.

1.         That blogs far from being a democratic agent for change are now being used more and more as a tool for certain smear campaigns and agendas

2.         In relation to allegations about me we can see that there is an agenda on a blog site to make any fanciful allegation without substantiation and use it to smear my character.

3.         Nearly all the postings are written by the same person under different names. There also appears to be a racist overtone.

4.         There should be an onus where people make unsubstantiated allegations that are designed to damage a persons reputation, for blog sites to not only state who they are, but also any article should be fully credited to the person who wrote it – not some glib “PNG Nationalist” etc

5.         The whole approach on this blog goes against common law. What we have in these “blogs” is some Napoleonic approach of guilty until we say otherwise. And that also tells any thinking person of the hidden agenda at work here. Faceless people behind faceless, unsubstantiated muck raking.

 

On this I note the claims of one anonymous writer who believes the mere mention of claims of defamation suggest identification with corruption.

Once again I state that no one begrudges fair comment.

Malicious unsubstantiated allegations designed to hurt a person or company’s reputation is in a class of its own and the mere refuting of an allegation does not justify the malicious intent of the allegation in the first place.

 It is a shame that this particular website does not demand more accountability from those who comment and if it was a legitimate site you would expect a code of conduct regime in place – Not a policy of agenda driven anarchy.

It is clear that over the last few months there has been a concerted attempt to destabilize NASFUND, the Board and it’s Management by malicious rubbish.

The most successful financial organisation in Papua New Guinea will not stand by idly and allow faceless people to dictate or set their hidden agenda against the organisation.

I ask the Members and the public to hold firm and co operate in exposing the people behind the website and those who wrote the malicious commentary.

Let them have their day in court and let their allegations be tested in a legitimate forum.

 

Rod Mitchell

NASFUND