Court dismisses Abal’s case

 By SAMUEL RAITANO

WABAG MP Sam Abal's­ fight in the Waigani National Court to restrain Prime Minister Peter O'Neill from exercising his powers was dismissed last Friday, The National reports.
The ruling was made after the court found that the orders sought by the plaintiff would only add to the constitutional crisis and crumble the parliament and the state. 
It found that constitutional provisions under section 142 used to raise the questions on the vacancy was contradicted by Abal himself when he had taken part in the election process of O'Neill last Tuesday. 
It was pointed out that Abal, in remaining in parliament and ta­king part in voting in his capacity as the (then) acting prime minister, indicated that the prime minister's post was vacant when he had had the opportunity to walk out. 
The ruling was deli­vered after 5pm on the same day because Abal's lawyer Davis Stevens, from Stevens Lawyers, had made a request that the orders sought were urgent. 
Presiding Judge Les Gavara-Nanu made the ruling after adjourning the court twice during the hearing. 
The first adjournment was for lawyers to sort out a confusion when Kelly Naru from Naru Lawyers explained his appearance at the bar table was to represent a party that intended to be the third defendant. 
The first and second defendants were speaker Jeffery Nape and O'Neill. 
The third party was the clerk of the parliament. 
When court resumed, lawyers, Stevens, Manuel Varitimos and Naru sat before the judge together after having had their discussions. 
The arguments raised by Stevens were that the confusion on the vacancy of the prime minister's post needed time for legal analysis and wanted  injunctive orders and declarations to be made on the powers vested in the prime minister and the speaker from being exercised. 
These included the appointment and swearing in of ministers, and any other responsibilities of O'Neill as prime minister. 
Steven sought orders to restrain the parliament clerk and servants of the parliament from carrying out instructions from either O'Neill or Nape. 
The orders sought went as far as to restrain the government printer from publishing the gazetting of the ministers appointed by O'Neill. 
Varitimos argued that his clients followed the normal parliamentary procedure to have the new government in place. 
He said the orders sought by Abal were ridiculous because the head of state had accepted the election as valid and had sworn-in the new prime minister. 
He highlighted the fact that Sir Michael Somare should have been the plaintiff because the prime minister's post was his and not Abal's to fight over. 
Varitimos said the orders sought by Abal would paralyse parliament because ministers had already been appointed by the new prime minister, sworn-in by the governor-general and published in the national gazette. 
Gavara-Nanu stressed that the office of the prime minister, speaker and the function of parliament could not be held to ransom due to a fight over power. 
Gavara-Nanu said if the prime minister, speaker and clerk of parliament were restrained from doing their duties, the nation would be held to undue ransom. 
He said there was no guarantee when the argument over the vacancy would come to an end and he was not convinced by the application.
Gavara-Nanu said the appointments by the governor-general as head of state would be made unconstitutional if the court entertained Abal's application. 
He pointed out that some NA members who broke away from the Somare-Abal government had been appointed and sworn-in as ministers in the new government in which numerical strength and stalwartness promised more chaos in parliament.
Abal's application was thus dismissed.

Abal refuses to join NA caucus meeting in Minj

  MEMBER for Wabag Sam Abal said last night he and his group will not join the National Alliance camp in Minj for its caucus meeting, The National reports.
He said, firstly, he had a matter before the courts contesting last week's election of Peter O'Neill in parliament, which will be heard today.
Abal, who was removed as acting prime minister last Tuesday, also said the party was split by last week's action in parliament and needed to come together before any issue of leadership of the party or any other matter could be discussed.
"The party is split. One side cannot go ahead and decide on the leadership or any other matter. 
"The priority is for the party to come together and, then, we can decide as a party on the leadership and any other matters."
The meeting proper would begin today. 
It was reported that 17 NA members of parliament were present at the dinner last night.

Sepik MPs cry foul over cabinet jobs

 THREE Sepik members of parliament have claim­ed that the new go­vern­ment of Peter O'Neill has overlooked them for mi­nisterial portfolios, The National reports.
The two members, who defected to the op­position camp, were the member for Wosera-Gawi Ronald Asik and member for Wewak Dr Moses Manwau. 
Asik defected to the opposition a week before the change of government while Manwau was behind the move to change government.
The other member is Telefomin MP Peter 
Iwei, who defected to the opposition with Belden Namah during the March Girls move to topple the Somare-led National Alliance go­vernment.
The two East Sepik MPs said their people had not been represented in cabinet although it was a difficult decision to cross the floor from a previous government that was controlled by Sepiks.
Morobe and Western Highlands have four ministers, followed by Eastern Highlands with three and Bougainville, Chimbu, Southern Highlands, Central, NCD, Milne Bay and New Ireland with two each. 
The other eight provinces have one ministry each while the other province that missed out is West New Britain.
"This is not a fair distribution of ministries as the Sepiks have not been represented. 
"The same people on the other side have come again to control government. There is no difference in the new government," they said.
Manwau said he was frustrated because the people of East Sepik did not have representation in cabinet.

Probable O’Neill-Namah cabinet

 WHILE all who were named ministers were sworn in last week, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is yet to officially name their portfolios, The National reports.
The following is the most probable cabinet line-up based on unofficial information.
The full line-up would be announced today.
Peter O'Neill – Prime Minister
Belden Namah – Deputy Prime Minister; Forestry and Climate Change
Don Polye – Treasury and Finance
William Duma – Petroleum and Energy
Sam Basil – National Planning
Moses Maladina – Implementation and Rural Development
Francis Awesa – Works and Transport
Bart Philemon – Public Service
Sir Puka Temu – Agriculture
Sir Mekere Morauta – State Enterprises
Dr Allan Marat – Attorney-General and Justice
John Boito – Internal Security
Guma Wau – Defence
Sai Sailon Beseo – Correctional Services
Job Pomat – Fisheries
Ano Pala – Foreign Affairs and Immigration
Theo Zurenuoc – Education
Sali Subam – Sports
Martin Aini – Labour and Industrial Relations
Byron Chan – Mining
Charles Abel – Trade; Commerce and Industry
Jim Miringtoro – Communication and Information
Steven Kama – Bougainville Affairs
Andrew Mald – Community Development; Religion and Family Affairs
Mark Maipakai – Government Relations and District Development
David Arore – Higher Education
Thompson Harokaqveh – Environment and Conservation
Puri Ruing – Civil Aviation
Lucas Dekena – Lands and Physical Planning
Jamie Maxtone-Graham – Health and HIV/AIDS
Ken Fairweather – Housing and Urbanisation
Wake Goi – Minister assisting the Prime Minster on Constitutional Matters.
Benjamin Philip – Minister without portfolio

33 in cabinet

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has appointed 33 new ministers in a cabinet line-up of mostly unknowns which, he claims, "are simple and humble leaders for the people of Papua New Guinea", The National reports.
However, indications were that representation from the highlands was most powerful, securing key economic positions including that of the prime minister, finance and trea­sury plus petroleum and energy.
Political sources said this might backfire on O'Neill and his People's National Congress party in the general election next year.
The southern region National Alliance group that defected to support the opposition was rewarded with five ministerial portfolios.
The United Resources Party, PNC and People's Party factions were rewarded with four ministries.
O'Neill said the distribution of ministries was done in consultation with political parties and leaders. East Sepik and West New Britain missed out completely.
A couple of Sepik MPs, including Wosera-Gawi's Ronald Asik and Telefomin's Peter Iwei, were evidently unhappy with their exclusion and shouted expletives during the swearing-in ceremony.
"One or two have missed out largely because of numbers; many were not been present in government and parties' decisions on who gets a ministry," the prime minister said.
He said there was full consultation between the different coalition partners and he tried his best to cover all provinces in his cabinet.
"The distribution of ministries shows a humble government for the people of Papua New Guinea."
O'Neill congratulated the new ministers sworn-in by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio at Go­vernment House last Friday. 
They included Ken Fair­weather (Sumkar); Charles Abel (Alotau); David Arore (Ijivitari); Guma Wau (Kerowagi); Steven Kama (South Bougainville); Jim Miringtoro (Central Bougain­ville); Martin Aini (Kavieng); Jamie Maxtone-Graham (An­glimp-South Waghi); Thompson Harokaqveh (Goroka); Lucas Dekena (Gumine); Byron Chan (Namatanai); Puri Ruing (Dei); Benjamin Philip (Menyamya); Sali Subam (South Fly); Andrew Mald (Moresby Northeast); Mark Maipakai (Kikori); and Sai Beseo (Kainantu).
O'Neill also challenged the opposition members to re-join their political leaders in the new-look government

Another proud moment in Papua New Guinea aviation history

Caption: From left are Capt Philip Emeck, chief engineer Stanley Joe and Capt James Pima being welcomed by National Aviation Services acting CEO Capt James Imaka at the NAS hangar last Friday.-Picture by MALUM NALU

 

 

By MALUM NALU

 

Another proud moment in Papua New Guinea aviation history was created last Friday with the arrival of a Bell 407 helicopter at Jackson International Airport.

It heralded the birth of PNG's second 100% nationally-owned company involved in helicopters, Heli Solutions.

Champagne was sprayed and there were hugs and congratulations all around as the all PNG crew of captains James Pima and Philip Emeck, together with chief engineer Stanley Joe, arrived with the K7 million helicopter after a 16-hour flight from Sydney, Australia.

The flight took them through Brisbane, Cairns, Daru and Kerema before arriving in Port Moresby at 4.30pm.

Former PNG Defence Force pilots Pima and Emeck, both from Mendi in Southern Highlands, together with Joe, from Madang, are proud owners of the VIP-configured seven-seater, that can carry 1.5 tonnes and has a cruising speed of 130 knots.

It has telephone, stereo, air-conditioning, tinted glass and refrigerator for its anticipated VIP clientele, and had only clocked up 400 hours when bought by Heli Solutions.

Pima and Emeck, after leaving the army, worked for other aviation companies, including another local aviation firm, Helifix, before setting up Heli Solutions.

Emeck thanked all their family members and friends for their support, and especially Westpac for its faith in helping them to buy the helicopter.

They anticipate buying another one or two more helicopters in the very near future to boost up their fleet.

Because Heli Solutions does not have an air-operating certificate from Civil Aviation Safety Authority, it will in the interim operate under another nationally-owned aviation firm, National Aviation Services, until such time that it obtains its own.

NAS is owned and operated by former PNGDF brigadier general and former politician, Ted Diro, who was not present for last Friday's arrival.

Acting CEO of NAS, former PNGDF pilot John Imaka, said aviation was booming in PNG with the mining, oil and gas projects, however, only a few nationals were direct participants in it.

Imaka said NAS was only too pleased to help Heli Solutions because it was an all-PNG company helping another all-PNG company in the highly-regulated aviation industry.

Koroba-Kopiago MP, John Kekeno, said it was a proud moment for Southern Highlands and PNG with the arrival of a helicopter, which was owned and operated by an all-PNG crew.

New plants and animals discovered

Caption: British High Commissioner to PNG Jackie Baron (centre) with WWW country director Neil Stronarch (left) and conservation director Eric Verhaj at the launching.-Picture courtesy of BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

 

 

By MALUM NALU

 

At least 1,060 new species of plants and animals were discovered on the island of New Guinea, comprising Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea, between 1998 and 2008, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The WWF announced this at the launch of a new species report of recent discoveries made on the island of New Guinea last week.

These were discovered in the forests, wetlands and waters of New Guinea and include 218 plants, 580 invertebrates, 71 fishes, 134 amphibians, 43 reptiles, two birds and 12 mammals.

"Such is the extent of New Guinea's biodiversity that new species continue to be discovered even today," according to the report.

"A 2009 expedition to the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea featured on the BBC series Lost Land of the Volcano found an estimated 40 new species, including at least 16 new species of frog, two new species of lizard, three new fish species, one new species of bat, and an undescribed endemic subspecies of the silky cuscus, a type of possum.

"Another mammal, and the largest new species of animal discovered during the trip, was a giant wooly rat, found in the forest inside the crater of Mount Bosavi.

"Since 2008, more than 100 new species have been described by scientists, and clearly many more await scientific discovery and discovery."

The report said if managed sustainably, the island's precious habitats such as reefs, rainforests and wetlands would continue to thrive into the next century, because unlike most other parts of the world, these resources were at present relatively untouched.

British High Commissioner to PNG Jackie Barson said the launch happened to coincide with the 2011 International Year of the Forest as declared by the UN General Assembly.

"Forests are home to 80% of all terrestrial species on Earth and 1.6 billion people rely on the resources that forests provide," she said.

"They cover a third of all land areas and are home to 300 million people worldwide.

"So all very pertinent to Papua New Guinea.

"As we know, PNG is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

"Its wildlife represents about 507 percent of the world's biodiversity as it is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds as well as plants.

"Visiting scientists continue to make remarkable discoveries in different parts of the country.

"The Island of New Guinea contains one of the world's last truly unspoilt wildernesses, a final frontier on the edge of the Pacific that is richly endowed with between 6 and 8% of global biodiversity on less than 0.5 per cent of the earth's landmass.

"With 36 million hectares of PNG still under natural forest cover there is potential for more discoveries but with the effects of climate change, and de forestation, being seen and felt everywhere, there has never been such an important time for Papua New Guinea to grasp environmental education and provide its population with valuable knowledge and skills to look after its diverse forestry which ultimately house these species."

Zurenuoc keen on free education

  FREE education will be implemented now that the new government is in place, caretaker Education Minister Theo Zurenuoc said yesterday, The National reports.
He also promised to scrap the outcomes-based education (OBE) system and replace it with a practical system.
Zurenuoc was appointed Education and Higher Education Minister 24 hours earlier in Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's caretaker cabinet.
"I want to drive an important belief I have and which forms a major part of my People's Progress Party (PPP) policy that the government provides free and subsidised education to the people.
"That is the simplest and most effective way of transferring wealth of the nation to the people.

Abal vows to fight to ‘correct an illegal action’

 By ISAAC NICHOLAS

THE ousted government is taking legal action to "correct an illegal action by the opposition to wrestle power from a duly-elected government", ousted acting prime minister Sam Abal said yesterday, The National reports.
"We are not making an issue out of this for nothing," he said.
Abal, who was surrounded by Sir Arnold Amet, Ben Semri, Fidelis Semoso, Paul Tiensten, Philip Kikala, Paru Aihi and Anderson Agiru, said a political coup had happened.
"It is an illegal thing and we cannot rest until this thing is corrected. It is for our children and our future before we become a laughing stock.
"Parliament was ambushed by the vetting and abetting by the speaker himself. We have created a constitutional crisis because there is no vacancy in the office of the prime minister."
He said the process had started for the lawful removal of the prime minister. But the group in government had decided to ambush it with the help of the speaker who did not check whether there was an appropriate provision for the removal of the prime minister and went ahead and declared a vacancy.
"It was a well-organised coup that was planned with the speaker of parliament."
Abal said the election of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, or any other person, could be carried out but it should be done within the law.
"If we allow this to go, then we are encouraging another kind of coup. It is a very sad day for the Constitution to be ridiculed. Politically, it is a government starting on the wrong foot."
Abal said parliament should not sit until such issues were resolved by the court.
"I am seeking an injunction to stop this kind of rummaging going on. This is outrageous and not acceptable to us as leaders and for the people of Papua New Guinea."
Also yesterday, Abal appealed to departmental heads, especially those looking after the public purse, to be cautious especially of leaders coming after public funds.
"This group is in a rush and will start rolling out cheques to prepare illegally and to fund their elections and that is why they took parliament by storm," Abal said.

Amet: PM’s election creates crisis

 FORMER chief justice and Madang regional MP Sir Arnold Amet says a constitutional crisis has been created by the election of a new prime minister, The National reports.
He said: "There is in my opinion a constitutional crisis created by the actions of the speaker and the opposition, in col­lusion, in circumventing and corrupting legitimate constitutional process on Tuesday."
He said the opposition purported to move and vote on a parliamentary motion to "declare a vacancy in the office of prime minister" and to appoint a new prime mi­nister, pursuant to section 142(2) and schedule 1.10(3) of the Consti­tution. 
The motion was carried on voices.
He said the Consti­tution provided for the appointment of the prime minister at the first meeting of parliament after a general election and, otherwise, from time to time as the occasion for the appointment of the prime minister arose.
Sir Arnold said the purported motion to declare a vacancy and to appoint a new prime minister was fundamentally wrong in constitutional law.
"There is no constitutional provision to support such a motion and vote to declare a vacancy in the office of the prime minister," he said.
"There is no power in the parliament to, by such a vote, declare arbitrarily that there is a vacancy in the office of the prime minister, by the fact of sheer numerical strength.
"The actions of the opposition will be subjected to scrutiny by the Supreme Court and we are confident of a favourable decision."

Nonggorr: Both regimes at fault

 THE actions of both the in-coming government and the out-going one are in breach of the Constitution, a leading constitutional lawyer said yesterday, The National reports.
Prof John Nonggorr blamed this on the "unbridled greed of politicians" acting in their own interest rather than that of the people and the country.
He described Tuesday's election of a new prime minister as a "sad day in our history".
Nonggorr said: "We, today, have an illegitimate government. The purported election is unconstitutional. 
"Sir Michael Somare remains the prime minister. 
"In his absence, due to ill-health, Sam Abal is the acting prime minister. The office of prime minister is not vacant by operation of the Constitution. 
"How can parliament elect a prime minister when there is no vacancy?
"While Sir Michael has not resigned and parliament has not voted, on the advice of  two doctors coming through the governor-general, to remove Sir Michael, this purported election cannot be based on a vacancy in the office of prime minister," Nonggorr said.
"There has not been a vote of no-confidence, which will require at least seven days' notice and other procedures to be followed. Indeed, the period for a vote of no-confidence ought to be properly brought against a government to remove a prime minister, and for a new prime minister to be elected, expires on Aug 5 – today.
"What the members of parliament have done is a blatant disregard for the rule of law. 
"Has the parliament now become so disgraceful that no one follows any rules and shows decency anymore?
"The speaker has let the country down for a very long time. This is the final straw."
Nonggorr also attacked the immediate past government headed by Abal.
"The government that Abal was leading acted unconstitutionally as well. If that government was following the law, especially the Constitution, two doctors should have been appointed as soon as it was known that Sir Michael was undergoing heart surgery. 
"That is what the law expects. Instead, the government has been pussy-footing around for more than three  months. 
"If the law was followed, parliament should have voted to stand down Sir Michael already. 
"But, two wrongs do not make a right. The opposition cannot do what is unconstitutional – they are as bad and disgraceful as the people they are attempting to get rid of."
Nonggorr said the entire process of engaging Dr Isi Kevau to provide a medical report was not stipulated in law and was a "complete waste of time".
"All these MPs should be ashamed of themselves. They are doing this for control of the money that is coming into the country before the elections. They want to control it, use it, abuse it, corrupt it. It is all about themselves. And, who suffers? PNG.
"For those observers outside of PNG, there are many decent, hard-working, law-abiding and intelligent Papua New Guineans who detest these types of behaviour displayed by so-called members of parliament. 
"These MPs do not represent de­cent Papua New Guineans and we are all ashamed of their behaviour and angry about the way they are playing their dirty games while the majority of our people are suffering."
Nonggorr is the second senior lawyer this week to condemn Tuesday's election in parliament as unconstitutional. 
Peter Donigi expressed similar sentiments on Tuesday.

Amet loses bid to fight O’Neill

 By SAMUEL RAITANO

AN application for a special Supreme Court reference, sought by Madang regional MP Sir Arnold Amet questioning the legality of the Peter O'Neill-led government, has been withdrawn, The National reports.
The withdrawal was made by Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat. 
Marat was sworn in on Wednesday as the caretaker minister for justice and attorney-general plus labour and industrial relations. 
His appointment, and that of other careta­ker ministers, was published in the National Gazette that same day. 
Sir Arnold filed the application on the evening of the same day, using his (previous) title as the attorney-general. 
Lawyer for Sir Arnold, Ian Molloy, took the courtroom by surprise when he said he was withdrawing the matter on instructions from the (new) attorney-general. 
Marat withdrew the proceeding, saying that he, as the attorney-general, did not "au­thorise, consent or ap­prove" of the Supreme Court application. 
It is understood that only the attorney-general has the power to invoke a special Supreme Court reference under section 19 of the Constitution. 
Molloy, on behalf of Sir Arnold, sought the Supreme Court's appro­val to have the matter adjourned in order to obtain further instruc­tions from his client and, perhaps, pursue the case from a different angle.
Marat's lawyer Manuel Varitimos said Sir Arnold no longer had the powers to pursue the matter be­cause he was no longer the attorney-general. 
He asked the court to have the matter with­drawn. 
Some National Al­liance MPs, faithful to the former government who attended the court session, were shocked because it meant their plans to pursue the matter in court had hit a brick wall. 
The Supreme Court accepted the withdrawal after perusing Marat's affidavit. 
Supreme Court judges Bernard Sakora, Panuel Mogish and Derek Hartshorn presided over the matter. 
It is understood that Wabag MP Sam Abal would have his submissions made in the National Court today to restrain Peter O'Neill from exercising his powers as the prime minister, pending the legal question over the post's vacancy.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman John Nero said yesterday that under section 19 of the Constitution, the Ombudsman Commission had the authority to bring about a Supreme Court reference on issues pertaining to certain questionable issues arising in government.
He said the current political situation had moved so fast that the commission had not looked at the issues tho­roughly. 
"What I am saying is that the commission has the standing under section 19 of the Constitution to bring about a Supreme Court reference but, until we have properly studied the issues in question, we cannot say or do anything just yet," Nero said.

Gillard congratulates O’Neill

 AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Julia Gillard has become the first world leader to congratulate Peter O'Neill on his appointment as PNG's new prime minister, The National reports.
Gillard telephoned O'Neill in Port Moresby yesterday afternoon and in a brief conversation said Canberra looked forward to working closely with the new government under O'Neill's leadership.
Both leaders stressed the importance of continuing the strong relations that existed between their two countries.
Under O'Neill, Canberra is likely to focus its annual aid programmes and budget support on rural and district development, something the new prime minister championed in the previous Somare-led coalition called the District Support Improvement Programme.
He assured Gillard that his government would ensure that PNG's economic growth remained on track and that the 2011 Budget, which he framed when he was treasurer, achieved its targets.
As a cabinet minister in the previous Somare government, O'Neill had led discussions with Canberra on the direction of Australian aid, the LNG project, and the development of sovereign wealth funds to capture revenue from the PNG LNG project.
O'Neill is expected to use his experience and close working relationship with Canberra to ensure the Australian support of PNG's development programmes benefit the district and rural areas directly.
"Prime Minister O'Neill assured Gillard that the PNG economic growth remained on track, and that the 2011 budget, which O'Neill framed as treasurer, would achieve its targets," a statement issued by the prime minister's office said.
Australia had provided aid annually to PNG since independence, and Canberra has always enjoyed a close working relationship with all governments of PNG

Union shies away from govt over legal issues

THE PNG Trade Union Congress is willing to work with the new government but noted the serious legal, constitutional and procedural issues that have been raised which question the validity of the change of government, The National reports.

PNGTUC president Michael Malabag said in a statement that the union was happy to work with the government many of whom were in the previous government with whom good working relations had been established.
However, there were questions such as:
.Whether or not a vote of no-confidence was the proper course of action to take to effect a change of prime minister and government considering no vacancy had been created and for all intents and purposes the sitting prime minister remained the prime minister;
.Whether an acting prime minister could and should be replaced by a vote of no-confidence; and
.Whether in fact the vote of no-confidence if deemed to be proper to effect a change of prime minister and government under the present circumstances 
complied with the limitations imposed by law in so far as the Constitution, legal 
and procedural requirements were concerned.
Malabag said the PNGTUC was an impartial and independent body that expressed its willingness to work with any government of the day.
"We however place great significance on the need to protect the integrity of the National Constitution and the democratic processes and institution to which we must all (including every government) submit subservience and respect.
"In the interest of our parliamentary democracy and constitutional integrity, we urge the courts to expedite and prioritise any hearing and deliberation on the recent changes in government.

Polye is NA leader in govt

 THE National Alliance party in the new government has agreed to have Kandep MP Don Polye as their new leader, The National reports.
The NA southern region, islands and highlands faction had agreed to have Polye lead the new-look NA party in the government of Peter O'Neill and Belden Namah.
Polye made the announcement after the swearing-in of the deputy prime minister and caretaker ministers at Government House yesterday.
"I am the National Alliance leader now," Polye declared.
The NA team in government included Polye, Speaker Jeffrey Nape, Ano Pala, Mark Mai­pa­kai, David Arore, Andrew Mald, Charles Abel, Luke Critin, Jack Cameron, David Arore, Alphonse Moroi, Peter Humphrey and Leo Dion.
Polye said NA was a good party but the conduct, actions and inactions of some members had brought the party to disrepute and facilitated corruption in the former government.
"I think I have a very good team with me now."
Polye said this was the new National Alliance under his leadership and those who did not toe the line would be removed.
"We will get rid of people who perpetuate corruption."
"I am proud to lead the NA team here (in government)," Polye said.

Abal files bid to restrain O’Neill

By JULIA DAIA BORE

MEMBER for Wabag Sam Abal has set the court process into motion, attempting to restrain Peter O'Neill from executing his powers as the country's new prime minister, The National reports.
Abal's lawyers on Tuesday, soon after O'Neill's 70-24 victory,  filed in the National Court in Waigani documents seeking a judicial re­view to invalidate Tuesday's over­whel­ming vote in parliament that ousted Abal as acting prime minister. 
However, with the immediate swearing-in into office of O'Neill as the new prime minister of PNG by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, Abal's lawyers later amended the court documents. 
The new court documents filed by way of an originating summons is seeking restraining orders to stop the prime minister from executing his duties and powers of office. 
The matter was yesterday set for hearing tomorrow when parties are expected to make their submissions.
Abal had named O'Neill and parliament Speaker Jeffrey Nape as defendants.
Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet is also expected to seek a special Supreme Court reference.
The reference was filed after midday yesterday and would be heard today.
Sir Arnold is seeking to have the Supreme Court interpret and determine the validity of Tuesday's  removal of the Somare-Abal government

O’Neill names caretaker team

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill yesterday announced a 14-member caretaker cabinet while calling on the outgoing government to respect parliamentary democracy in his election to the top post, The National reports.
But ousted acting prime minister Sam Abal hit back, saying he had been unseated by default and stealth.
The caretaker ministers included Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah, Don Polye, William Duma, Francis Awesa, Sam Basil, Sir Puka Temu, Sir Mekere Morauta, Bart Philemon, Dr Allan Marat, John Boito and Theo Zurenuoc.
The old faces in the new line-up are Job Pomat, Moses Maladina and Ano Pala while O'Neill had advised the governor-general to decommission the rest of the Somare cabinet.
He said his full cabinet would be announced before parliament resumed next Tuesday.
O'Neill said that the interim cabinet was made up of experienced, talented and vibrant young leaders. 
"The immediate task of the new go­vernment is to prepare the country for a decent and fair general election next year," he said.
O'Neill was due to call his first cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon to set the course for the new government in the next 10 months.
He also received a call in the afternoon from his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard to congratulate him on his election as prime minister.
"There are many challenges facing the country in health, education, transport infrastructure, land and justice and massive corruption in government and we are serious in addressing them.
"We will not be vindictive but to be accountable to our people," O'Neill said.
 "We will be working for the majority of the people, not for a few individuals but for accountability and transparency.
"There are some decent policies of the former government that we will maintain like the Vision 2050, district services improvement programme and the district treasury roll-out programme. Programmes that we have lost we will review and move them forward."
O'Neill also called on the former government to respect parliamentary democracy. 
"It is an indication of our people's desire to have change.
"The number 70-24 is not a one-vote majority. I appeal to them to be responsible and respect the wishes of our people through the parliamentary process."
He said any legal challenges would be defended fully.
Vanimo-Green MP and former opposition leader Namah thanked O'Neill for appointing him as deputy prime minister.
"There are many challenges ahead of us but we have a good team of experienced and talented leaders to address them.
"The people of Papua New Guinea, you have been calling for change and this government is for change," Namah said.

New Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea: Breaking news!

Peter O'Neill is the new Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, being elected by an overwhelming majority of 74-24, just minutes ago.

He is now being transported to Government House to be sworn in by Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio.

O'Neill was nominated by Opposition Leader, Belden Namah, when Parliament resumed at 2pm today, and seconded by sacked Petroleum Minister, William Duma.

Bulolo MP Sam Basil closed nominations.

Forests Minister Timothy Bonga walked out in protest.

Several Government Ministers and MPs moved over to Opposition ranks today.

Ministers included O'Neill, Internal Security Minister Mark Maipakai and Minister Assisting Prime Minister Charles Abel.

APEC region exhibits strong recovery in investment levels

Issued by APEC Policy Support Unit

 

Singapore, August 2, 2011 – – Foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in APEC rebounded significantly in 2010 with  the region's  share of global FDI inflows more than doubling in the last five years, according to an analysis by the APEC Policy Support Unit (PSU).

 APEC Policy Support Unit Director, Dr. Denis Hew, provided an Asia-Pacific perspective on current foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in the region.

His analysis is based on data found in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investment (UNCTAD) World Investment Report (WIR) 2011, which was launched last week.

 Weighing in on the economic outlook, Hew explained that UNCTAD forecasts that world output growth will fall to 3.2 percent in 2011 from 3.9 percent in 2010 and that Japan's output growth will drop to 0.7 percent in 2011 from 3.9 percent in 2010.

He went on to say that the World Bank estimates that the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan could be as much as US$ 235 billion."

 Looking at 2010, FDI levels in APEC rebounded significantly from 2009. Inflows to the APEC region grew 32 percent, reaching US$ 627 billion, while outflows from the region grew 14 percent, reaching US$ 742 billion.  

 "Although the APEC region is still falling a bit short of 2008 pre-crisis levels, it is out-performing other regions," Hew said.

APEC's share of global FDI inflows rose from 32 percent in 2005 to 50 percent in 2010, and its share of global FDI outflows increased from 17 percent to 56 percent over this same period.

 FDI inflows to the APEC region grew by 15 percent per year on average between 2005 and 2010, while inflows to the rest of the world declined by 2 percent per year on average over this same period. 

Similarly, FDI outflows from the APEC region grew by 38 percent per year on average between 2005 and 2010, while outflows from the rest of the world declined by 5 percent per year on average over this same period.

 The increase in FDI is more pronounced in developing APEC economies.

[1] FDI inflows to the developing APEC economies have recently been even larger than the developed APEC economies and were valued at USD 344 billion in 2010, growing by 11 percent per year on average between 2005 and 2010.

FDI outflows from the developing APEC economies have grown by 26 percent per year on average between 2005 and 2010 to reach US$ 292 billion.

 Hew said that increased FDI activity has been advanced by the efforts made by several APEC economies towards increased investment liberalization and facilitation.

These measures include the streamlining of admission procedures and the opening of new, or expansion of existing, special economic zones.

 "However, we cannot ignore that one of reasons for APEC's growing share of global FDI is the EU's declining share," said Hew

The EU's share of global FDI flows has decreased significantly – from 50 percent in 2005 to 24 percent in 2010 for inflows and from 69 percent in 2005 to 31 percent in 2010 for outflows.

 Hew observed that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is the preferred mode over greenfield projects by investors in the APEC region, and is likely to continue.

 "The value of M&A sales in the APEC region rose sharply in 2010 to US$ 176 billion, with strong growth experienced by both developed (88 percent increase) and developing (40 percent increase) APEC economies compared with an 11 percent increase in the value of M&A sales in the rest of the world," Hew added.

 The value of greenfield FDI to the APEC region continued to decline in 2010, falling another 9 percent to US$ 395 billion, compared with a 21 percent drop in the value of greenfield FDI to the rest of the world from 2009 to 2010.

Only seven APEC economies experienced increases in the value of greenfield FDI into their economies from 2009 to 2010.[2] 

 A more detailed PSU briefing can be found here.

Official probe into PM’s health status

  GOVERNOR-General Sir Michael Ogio is expected to instruct the PNG Medical Board today to appoint two physicians to inquire into the health status of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and report to cabinet within 28 days, The National reports.
This followed yesterday's handing-over of a report by the prime minister's physician, Dr Isi Kevau, to Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal.
Last night, Abal said it was up to the medical board to appoint two physicians, either within PNG or abroad, to inquire into Sir Michael's health and report independently to satisfy the constitutional requirements.
The report by Kevau stated in part that Sir Michael was being well looked after by a team of four specialists at Singapore's Raffles Hospital and that his recovery was "better than expected".
The two physicians' report would allow parliament to decide whether or not the prime minister is physically and mentally fit to remain the chief executive of Papua New Guinea.
This is the first time the constitutional provision on the disqualification of a prime minister had been evoked and, at its conclusion, the nation might see the position invalidated and a vacancy in the job occurring.
Were that to happen, parliament, if it is not sitting, would be recalled and the business of the election of the prime minister will be its main business.
Until that happens, all the powers and responsibilities of the prime minister are vested in the acting prime mi­nister.
While the prime minister's position is not on parliament's agenda, when it meets today, it is expected to create enormous debate during the sitting with possible moves to force an early election of the prime minister