Papua New Guinea community celebrates Independence Day in Toowoomba

Members of USQ's PNG community are inviting the Toowoomba community in Australia to celebrate their Independence Day this Saturday 10 September.
The day will commence at 11am, and will showcase PNG culture through dance, song and a variety of cultural displays.
Coordinator of the event, USQ PNG Students Association President, Matthew Igo Ball, said the day was an opportunity to celebrate the country's successes.
"PNG's Independence is a big part of the country's history and although they are still doing it tough back home, we are here at university because we want to better, not only ourselves but also our country,' Matthew said.
"Independence is a time to reflect how far we have come as a country and also as individuals."

Matthew said they are expecting PNG students from USQ and local boarding schools to attend the day, and were welcoming anyone who loves PNG or wants to learn more about its culture to attend.
"We are expecting PNG students from USQ, students from local boarding schools, the general PNG community residing in Toowoomba, a number of expatriates, and many PNG students and community members from Brisbane to attend on the day,"he said.
"Currently there are over 30 PNG students on-campus at Toowoomba. The general public are invited to the event, it is open to anyone who is from PNG, has been to PNG, knows a PNG, or wants to learn more about PNG."
"It will be a fun day for everyone."
WHAT: PNG 36th Independence Celebrations 
WHEN: 11- 2 on Saturday, 10 September 2011 
WHERE: USQ Quadrangle, USQ West Street Toowoomba 
COST: Free

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977

Sepik people slam removal

THE people of East Sepik are disappointed that Sir Michael Somare has been unceremoniously dismissed as their representative in parliament, The National reports.
And they warned that such decisions against the people of East Sepik through their leader could have serious consequences.
East Sepik Parents Advocacy Forum chairman George Numbasa said more than 60% of Sepiks supported the government's policies but the attack on Sir Michael had created a dent in their confidence.
Hurung Holdings Ltd chairman Louis Koinduo said his people of Yangoru were not happy with the continuous intimidation of the Sepik people.
Youth leader David Ulga said the action would create disharmony among citizens.

East Sepik Province people urged to unite

THE people of East Sepik have been urged to unite to demonstrate that it is the people who brought Sir Michael Somare into parliament and not any political party, Valentine Kambori says, The National reports.
Kambori, a tribal leader of the Sausse tribe in Wewak, said in a statement that the announcement by the speaker in parliament to dismiss Sir Michael, should prompt all Sepik people to unite and tell Papua New Guinea that it was not the National Alliance or the Pangu Pati or any political party which brought Sir Michael to parliament.
"Sir Michael Somare's election to parliament since 1968 is the collective will and mandate of the Sepik people as ordained and bestowed by the forefathers of the Sepik people after World War 2 restoration when two prominent chiefs Sir Peter Simogun and Thomas Yawiga called on the Sepik people to unanimously vote young Michael Somare to take the place of the white man Frank Martin who was then the regional member," he said.
Kambori said the Speaker could use the technicalities of law to remove Sir Michael but the Sepik people would return him.
"I challenge the government to issue the writs next week and the Sepik people will return him again to parliament.
"The founding father of this nation is our paramount chief and he remains with our forefathers mandate until that mandate is passed on and I call upon all Sepik people throughout PNG and the province to unite to prove that Sir Michael is not dead and we will return him unopposed to prove our point.
"It must be known by Papua New Guinea that you do not remove our leader on technicalities in parliament especially the founding father.
"The Sepik leader is only removed at the ballot box by the will and mandate of the Sepik people," Kambori said.

Polye faction calls for National Alliance executives' resignation

THE Polye faction of the National Alliance party in government yesterday called for the resignation of the
national executives of the party, The National reports.
Flanked by provincial party executives and 11 of the expelled MPs yesterday Polye called for the resignation of the national executives for "bringing the party to disrepute and for making ill-informed decisions to serve the interest of a few people".
He said the party executives were supporting a few corrupt members and not addressing important issues.
He said the party MPs with him in the Peter O'Neill-led government were "founders" of the NA which should have suspended Arthur Somare, Patrick Pruaitch, Sam Abal and Paul Teinsten because of their leadership conduct which he claimed were contrary to the party constitution and policies.
"The action to terminate the 20 members was a slap in the face of the people of PNG and, therefore, I call on the executives and the members implicated to resign," he said.
Polye said his group was committed to addressing corruption and transparency and those members in the opposition who wanted to fight corruption should cross over and join them.
He said the split in the NA camp started some years back as all activities and conduct of business were not in the best interest of the party and in
accordance with the policies and constitution of the party but for the benefit of a privileged few.
He said some decisions made by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare had contributed to the downfall of the party.,
Polye said regular dialogue was being maintained with the  NA MPs in the opposition to unite the party and contest in next year's elections.
Meanwhile, five deputy presidents of the NA party, James Kond, highlands; Douglas Tomurisa, southern; John Tuka, islands; and council members John Tiberame and Charles Synell, islands have called
on the party's national executives to convene a special council meeting to address the issues.
They said the national executives did not have the power to terminate the members and that the resolution to expel 20 MPs did not follow the party constitution.
Spokesman Kond said a few issues such as the Special Supreme Court reference, the full-page advertorial by the NA president Simon Kaiwi and the decision to expel the 20 MPs should be addressed at the meeting.
He said the council should decide such penalties and not the national executives.
The group said the council recognised Polye as the  party leader after the party caucus in Banz.
Terence Perene and Gerry Eremoge NA chairman of Southern and Eastern Highlands committed their support for Polye.
They said Polye was the duly elected party leader during the absence of Sir Michael and the expulsion notice was misleading and not in the best interest to the party.

Philemon: NRL bid a waste of time, money

By JEFFREY ELAPA

THE K20 million allocated for the National Rugby League Bid is a waste of time and money, Public Service Minister Bart Philemon says, The National reports.
Philemon made the comment after the Pacific Games 2015 Authority Bill was passed in parliament on Tuesday, with 76 MPs voting for it.
Philemon said the NRL Bid was a failure while the Pacific Games was being neglected by the government.
He said PNG had bid in 2009 to host the 2015 Pacific Games and had assured the Games Council and the PNG Games Council that it would make available US$92.5 million for it.
He said the games was contested by more than 15 Pacific islands countries every four years.
He blamed the Somare government for failing to pass the bill and make budget allocation to prepare for the Games, which is expected to cost about K300 million.
Philemon said sport was important in uniting the country as evident during the 1991 South Pacific Games held at the then Waigani Stadium in Port Moresby.
He said the country had only three years to prepare and the onus was on the government to start now with the first budget allocation to be included in the 2011 supplementary budget.
He said a contract was already in place with the Pacific Games body, the PNG sport council and the government and that must be addressed by the government with the passing of the bill.

National Alliance split

By JEFFREY ELAPA

THE National Alliance party, Papua New Guinea's biggest political party, is in a crisis following the sacking of 20 parliamentarians who crossed the floor to join the new government, The National reports.
The party's national executives met on Tuesday after the sacking of their ailing parliamentary leader Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and decided to expel all 20 MPs including Speaker Jeffery Nape and Finance and Treasury Minister Don Polye for "conducts prejudicial to the interest of the party".
The party, which ruled for nine consecutive years, is now split 20/21.
NA president Simon Kaiwi explained at a press conference that the actions were taken following the dumping of Sir Michael Somare, first as prime minister on Aug 2 and, on Tuesday, as regional member for East Sepik.
Kaiwi said the defectors had, by their decision, shown disrespect for the party, its leadership and constitution.
The NA group in government has until Sept 28, under the rules of the party, to appeal the decision.
Polye responded yesterday by calling on the national executives of the party to convene an urgent NA council meeting to discuss the issue.
He also called on the NA executive members to resign.
The national executive comprised Kaiwi, general secretary Stephen Pokawin, public officer Joyce Grant, treasurer Thomas Bullen and the parliamentary leader of the party.
The leadership post had become a contentious issue also with the executives claiming Sir Michael was still leader while other regional presidents and the defecting MPs claiming Polye was now the new leader.
Polye insisted yesterday he was the duly elected party leader and would remain in that position because he still had most of the NA MPs on his side.
He was proposed and accepted as the leader during the party caucus meeting in Minj last month.
Polye said he and his group had taken the decision they did because corruption and leadership issues were repeatedly ignored in the past.
The expulsion of Sir Michael as East Sepik MP was by operation of the law and not the work of any member of NA, he said.
 
SACKED MPs
1. Jeffery Nape – Parliament Speaker             
    (Sinasina-Yongomugl)
2. Don Polye – Treasurer (Kandep)
3. Ano Pala – Foreign Affairs (Rigo)
4. Mark Maipakai – Labour &
    Industrial Relations (Kikori)
5. Charles Abel – Commerce, Industry
    & Trade (Alotau)
6. Lucas Dekena – Lands & Physical
    Planning (Gumine),
7. Andrew Mald – Community
    Development (Moresby Northeast)
8. Sai Beseo – Correctional Services
    (Kainantu)
9. Sali Subam – Sports (South Fly)
10. David Arore – Higher Education,
      Science & Technology (Ijivitari)
11. Peter Humphreys – Governor
      (West New Britain)
12. Leo Dion – Governor (East
      New Britain)
13. John Luke Critten – Governor
      (Milne Bay)
14. Michael Sapau – Milne Bay
      (Manus)
15. Alphonse Moroi – Governor
      (Central)
16. James Gau – Governor (Madang,
      Raicoast MP)
17. Mathew Poiya – MP (Goilala)
18. Pitom Bombom – MP (Kerema)
19. Buka G Malai – MP (Madang)
20. Yawa Silupa – MP (Lufa)

Viewers decry MPs lack of respect

PEOPLE watching the live broadcast of the parliamentary sitting on Kundu 2 Television yesterday described the parliament as a "kindergarten", The National reports.
Two viewers said the leaders had shown no respect for parliament and turned it into a playground for a kindergarten.
Herman Paul, who watched the live broadcast yesterday afternoon at his house at Tarangau, in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, said he could not understand why parliamentarians, especially those on the opposition, kept interrupting Speaker Jeffery Nape.
He said parliament "belongs to the six million people of this nation, the MPs are only their representatives and they must show their respect for the people of this nation".
Paul said the leaders must show respect for the house and follow standing orders.
Another viewer, Joejoe Miugle appealed to leaders to use their common sense and show respect for parliament.

Groups arrive early to see parliament sit

By JULIA DAIA BORE

THE corner of Goodwit Road and John Guise Drive, in Waigani, converging onto the turn off into the National Parliament house was yesterday packed with people and traffic from about noon to 2pm, The National reports.
Police controlled traffic and people started moving around outside the National Library and National Archives buildings from 8am, although parliament was scheduled to begin at 2pm to discuss among other things a proposed law on women's reserved seats.
Women in PNG coloured outfits — meri blouses and T-shirts — were seated or standing in groups and their leaders advising them that only their spokeswomen would go for the sitting.
Closer to the roundabout, an even bigger crowd, including children, were assembled with their leaders briefing them on loudspeakers about the issues to be dealt with in parliament.
The traffic between 1pm and 2pm was heavy along roads into the National Parliament house.
Meanwhile, the bill to reserve the 22 parliamentary seats went through a second reading yesterday in parliament.

Provincial seats returned

By JEFFREY ELAPA

THE parliament has voted to return the provincial electoral seats during the 2012 general election with the blessing of 73 MPs yesterday, The National reports.
Parliament had decided a few years ago that all provincial seats were to be abolished by 2012 and to increase the open seats to 120 from 89 but parliament yesterday unanimously voted to keep all provincial seats when the bill went through the second reading. 
The final reading is expected after two months and this might bring more debates in parliament.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said it was an important bill as the constitutional amendment would ensure that provincial electorates were permanently re-instated.
He said by committing the bill and holding two separate votes, parliament changed the commencement date of the constitutional amendment.
He said instead of provincial electorates been removed at the 2007 election, they would be removed when advised by the prime minister and by recommitting the law, a constitutional crisis was avoided.
However, he said the job of returning provincial electorates was not yet complete and in order to finish the job, parliament needed to pass the amendment. Only after the passage of the law, will the law be returned to its original format and provincial electorates will be permanently reinstated.
He said provincial government served an important function in the decentralised system and that the provincial government system allowed rural people to become involved in decision-making.
O'Neill said the effect of the amendment was to reinstate all references to provincial electorates back into the constitution and ensure the constitution was the same way our founding fathers had intended.
The parliament also passed the 2015 South Pacific games Bill which will establish the 2015 Pacific Games authority to oversee and prepare for the games. The games is expected to cost around K300 million.

National Alliance in crisis

THE National Alliance executive was in a crisis conference last night as its former leader was dismissed from parliament by the speaker who is a member of the party, The National reports.
The ouster of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as prime minister was supported by new NA leader Don Polye, and the declaration of a vacancy was by Speaker Jeffery Nape.
The party is expected to make a major announcement today on the proceedings of the one-day parliament sitting yesterday.
The party executives were last night seeking legal opinion on whether what transpired was right by law and complied with the standing orders of parliament.
NA president Simon Kaiwi said last night: "The decision that the speaker has taken is a big constitutional issue and an issue with standing orders of parliament.
"I do not think it is correct but we are seeking legal opinion before we tell the people of PNG.
"He (Sir Michael) has met the legal requirement. He presented himself to parliament yesterday. Then, he is dismissed.
"It is a big shock to us.
"They are treating him like somebody who just came in yesterday."
Kaiwi's dilemma had worsened since half of his NA members are with the government that ousted Sir Michael as prime minister and MP.

Speaker’s decision shocks opposition

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

FORMER government frontbenchers expressed shock over the decision to remove the nation's "founding father" by Parliament Speaker Jeffrey Nape yesterday, The National reports.
The group was in the middle of a joint media conference when a tearful Dame Carol Kidu arrived to announce that Sir Michael had been removed.
Madang MP Sir Arnold Amet, East Sepik Governor Peter Wararu, Angoram MP Arthur Somare, Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch, Kompiam-Ambum MP John Pundari and Nipa-Kutubu MP Philemon Embel expressed shock and anger.
Sir Arnold indicated that he would institute a contempt of court action against Nape, claiming that the speaker was trying to legitimise the illegal takeover of a legitimate government on Aug 2.
Nape's announcement yesterday was contrary to the advice given by  the clerk to parliament, Don Pandan, who yesterday advised lawyers for Sir Michael, Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers, that Sir Michael would avoid being absent from three consecutive meetings of parliament if he attended yesterday's session.
Pandan, in a letter dated Sept 6, 2011, stated; "I confirm that my records constituting the minutes of proceedings of the parliament, as required by Standing Orders 30 for 2011, show that Sir Michael has been absent for only the June and August 2011 meetings of parliament. He was granted leave by parliament for the May 2011 meeting.
"I confirm that when Sir Michael attends today's (yesterday) meeting of parliament, he will avoid being absent for three consecutive meetings of parliament, thus, being disqualified as the member of parliament for the East Sepik regional seat, pursuant to the requirements of section 104(2) d) of the Constitution."
Angoram MP Arthur Somare promised to bring his father to parliament during the Sept 20 sitting and challenged government leaders to try to stop him.
He said the significant issue was that they wanted the Grand Chief to come and present himself in parliament to preserve the East Sepik regional seat.
He said the people of East Sepik had given Sir Michael their mandate for 45 years and he had an unbroken record of holding the parliamentary seat for an extended period of time.
He said to witness his arrival in parliament yesterday was heartening.
"If he has missed three consecutive meetings, he will be disqualified and leave the seat vacant," Somare said.
He said the speaker had recognised and welcomed back the Grand Chief to parliament.
"We feel confident that there is no vacancy in the East Sepik provincial seat because the custodian of records is the clerk of parliament."
Wabag MP Sam Abal said the actions of the speaker showed that power-hungry leaders were trying to destroy a man who had served the country for 45 years.
East Sepik Governor Peter Wararu said it was a sad day for the people of East Sepik that the founding father of the nation had been treated in such a way.
"Today, they had confirmed that their real motive is to remove the Grand Chief as East Sepik regional MP during this urgent recall of parliament.
"Addressing outstanding issues was just a cover-up," Wararu said.

Grand Chief sacked

SPEAKER Jeffrey Nape yesterday declared a vacancy in the East Sepik provincial seat, removing Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare from the parliamentary seat he has never been voted out of since 1968, The National reports.
In a move sure to shock PNG, Nape declared at about 4 pm that there was a vacancy in the East Sepik provincial seat. Parliament then voted on voices to dismiss Sir Michael.
Sir Michael, who had earlier been wheeled into the chamber in a wheelchair, and the opposition MPs were absent when the announcement was made.
The opposition and the National Alliance executive later expressed shock and said it was the work of power-hungry politicians.
Reading from an extensive legal brief he obtained from Twivey Lawyers, Nape told parliament that the power to declare a vacancy in both the office of the prime minister or the office of a member of parliament was vested in the speaker.
Nape further declared that his actions and the procedures of parliament, including the election of the prime minister, were non-justiceable, that is, they could not be challenged in a court of law.
Using parliamentary privilege, Nape discussed at great length the powers, functions and procedures of parliament in the event of a vacancy in the office of the prime minister, the subject of the reference now before the Supreme Court. Nape is named as the second intervenor in the reference.
The move now automatically creates a vacancy in the office Sir Michael had held as prime minister prior to his hospitalisation and this may have a bearing on the Supreme Court reference challenging the validity of the new government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.
Sir Michael, who made the trip home from Singapore on Sunday to be present at yesterday's sitting in order to avoid being automatically disqualified, was told he was disqualified anyway.
In a letter to Sir Michael's lawyers, Nape claimed that parliament's grant of leave for Sir Michael from the May sitting of parliament was defective and that he had already absented himself from three consecutive parliament sittings by the Aug 2 sitting.
The speaker said Sir Michael had been away for too long "without excuse", stating that no official statement for the long absence had been received from himself or the acting prime minister at the time.
Nape said: "There is nothing specifically provided in the Constitution, or the Prime Minister and NEC Act 2002 or the PNG Parliamentary Standing Orders for the procedure to be followed where a prime minister is absent without excuse for a prolonged period.
"Where there is a gap in procedure, there is, however, provision in the standing orders for a remedy, which is that pursuant to the functions and duties of his office under Order 284(1) in any matter that is not provided for in the standing orders, the speaker shall decide.
"It is then the speaker's role to determine what procedure should take place when a prime minister is absent from duties for an extended period without proper excuse.
"Further, the general provisions of the Constitution and the standing orders that govern the role, functions and the powers of the speaker clearly are wide enough to allow the speaker to determine the appropriate authority to declare a vacancy in the office of the prime minister and that appropriate authority to declare the vacancy is the speaker."

SP Brewery opens new warehouse

  SP Brewery chairman Joe Tauvasa (right) and general manager Stan Joyce unveil the plaque for the K8.6m warehouse in Gordon tonightnight.-Nationalpic by AURI EVA

While all attention was focused on Parliament, SP Brewery tonight night opened its K8.6 million warehouse at Gordon in a quite ceremony.

Chairman Joe Tauvasa said SP had embarked on an investment of K91m for both the Lae and Gordon breweries.

"The company's three-year investment plan has resulted in the latest technology to be installed in both breweries," he said.

"The upgrade of the current operations and ex pansion of the brewery capabilities is world-class and will provide us the extra capability to meet market demand and growth.

"This structure is part of that investment."

Sir Michael Somare should pay his own medical bills: Sir Mekere

 Moresby North-West MP and Minister for Public Enterprises Sir Mekere Morauta said today that he was personally shocked to learn that the Government had been paying Sir Michael Somare's medical expenses and the cost of keeping his entourage in Singapore.

Sir Mekere said that the report in The National on September 5 that the State had paid more than K3.7 million, K2.7 million of which was for "minders and visitors", is simply outrageous.

"I am not being mean or discourteous," he said.

"I wish The Chief a speedy recovery. 

"I am delighted that he appears to be well enough to have come home.

"But private medical expenses are private medical expenses. 

"All Members of Parliament have access to medical insurance, and none of us should expect the State to pay our private bills."

Sir Mekere said that this was a typical example of the way the Somare family had abused public money. 

"They seem to have no sense of the differentiation between public and private," he said.

"When Bart Philemon and I were in the Opposition, we frequently pointed this out, criticising the aerial PMV Falcon jet, for example, and the manner in which the Somare family abused the privileges of Mirigini House and the office of the Prime Minister.

"In a statement to the Parliament on May 8, 2010, I challenged then Prime Minister Somare 'to appoint an independent auditor to compute what I cost the nation as PM and what he has cost the nation.

"But I can make a pretty good guess:  what the nation spent on my behalf in three years would be less than three months expenditure on the current PM'.

"I made that statement without realising the full extent of the abuse of public resources by the Somare family. 

"When I became the Minister for Public Enterprises, I discovered that the Somare Government owed Air Niugini K30 million for the operation of the aerial PMV.

"The Falcon had clearly been going up and down to Singapore, to Fiji for golf, to Wewak for parties, wherever the family wanted it to go – but they never paid the bill.  "So when Air Niugini agreed to buy the Falcon from the Government, this unpaid bill of K30 million had to be deducted from the purchase price."

Sir Mekere said that the fact was many months ago Sir Michael took leave, appointed an acting Prime Minister, and went to Singapore for medical treatment. 

"He did not fall sick whilst on duty travel," he said.

"He gave up the position of Prime Minister but still took a whole entourage with him – family members, protocol officers, and police officers – for him to lie in a hospital bed.  "And it was presumed the people of Papua New Guinea would foot the bill.  "Meantime his chosen appointee Hon Sam Abal ran up a bill of hundreds of thousands of kina staying in a Port Moresby hotel instead of his own home. 

"Who paid for this, I wonder?"

Sir Mekere said that when he was the Prime Minister, he regularly went to Brisbane for medical check-ups. 

"Not once did the State pay for my ticket, for my wife's ticket, for my medical bills, nor for my accommodation," he said.

"They were private visits for personal reasons. 

"It is common sense that a Prime Minister should expect to pay for such trips and for his own medical treatment himself."

Sir Mekere said that the report in The National noted that the Prime Minister's Department did 'not have any allowances within its budget for the medical expenses of the Prime Minister'.

 "So who approved this expenditure?" Sir Mekere asked. 

"That is a breach of the Financial Management Act and whoever approved the expenditure should be held accountable."

Sir Mekere said that the Somare family should re-pay the State all the medical expenses and costs associated with their recent stay in Singapore. 

"It is an insult to Papua New Guineans that government money has been used to pay these costs," he said.

"Our own health services are so run down; they are not staffed properly; people are dying daily for want of drugs, of equipment that works, and of accurate diagnosis.  "Every day we hear of a Papua New Guinean family fund-raising to send a family member overseas for medical treatment that is not available here. 

"These people don't have a government department that forks out millions for them.

"Please Sir Michael, have some decency and assure the nation that you will pay for your own medical expenses.

"Having a clear conscience in this regard will give you peace of mind and help your recovery."

Basil hits back at Abal

NATIONAL Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil has described as irresponsible and unbecoming comments by parliamentarians determined to usurp power by using Sir Michael Somare, The National reports.

"I can't believe former acting prime minister and Member for Wabag Sam Abal would sink so low as to verbally place the Grand Chief on a collision course on the floor of parliament by suggesting that Sir Michael would take the Prime Minister's seat in parliament," he said.
"Firstly, there is only one head of the legislature, which is the Speaker of the National Parliament, Jeffery Nape.
"Sam Abal was there when the new Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was elected in parliament. The instruments of appointment were signed by the Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
"Why has Abal, knowing all this, attempted to direct Sir Michael to a chair already occupied by O'Neill?
"That is pre-emptor of the Supreme Court case and should amount to contempt both of
the court and of the national parliament," Basil said.
"What I fail to understand is just what sort of family, friends and associates would drag a weak, struggling, old man who many respect as the founding father of the nation in their political power games.
"Why can't they all appreciate that whatever the Supreme Court ruling is, the bottom line is that 70 MPs against 24 voted in O'Neill as the new prime minister on Aug 2 in parliament and will do so again if required."
Basil intends to refer Abal to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee for his comments on the chair to be occupied by Sir Michael.
He said the comments threatened the decorum and dignity of parliament.

Locals attack MP and escort

DEFENCE Minister Guma Wau was reportedly attacked by a group of disgruntled people of his Dagle tribe, in Ke­rowagi district, Chimbu, last week, The National reports.
Several government vehicles, including police land cruisers, were smashed while escorting Gau.
He was allegedly distributing funds to people in the upper Dagle area a week ago.
Reports from Wau's tribe said his own people at Moroma village complained that he had overlooked them and was distributing cash to others.
Angry villagers attacked Wau and people he was travelling with, resulting in several vehicles having their windscreens smashed.
The Kerowagi MP was not hurt but remained tight-lipped over the incident.
Chimbu provincial police commander John Kale confirmed the incident but did not give any details.

Basil hits back at Abal

NATIONAL Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil has described as irresponsible and unbecoming comments by parliamentarians determined to usurp power by using Sir Michael Somare, The National reports.
"I can't believe former acting prime minister and Member for Wabag Sam Abal would sink so low as to verbally place the Grand Chief on a collision course on the floor of parliament by suggesting that Sir Michael would take the Prime Minister's seat in parliament," he said.
"Firstly, there is only one head of the legislature, which is the Speaker of the National Parliament, Jeffery Nape.
"Sam Abal was there when the new Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was elected in parliament. The instruments of appointment were signed by the Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
"Why has Abal, knowing all this, attempted to direct Sir Michael to a chair already occupied by O'Neill?
"That is pre-emptor of the Supreme Court case and should amount to contempt both of
the court and of the national parliament," Basil said.
"What I fail to understand is just what sort of family, friends and associates would drag a weak, struggling, old man who many respect as the founding father of the nation in their political power games.
"Why can't they all appreciate that whatever the Supreme Court ruling is, the bottom line is that 70 MPs against 24 voted in O'Neill as the new prime minister on Aug 2 in parliament and will do so again if required."
Basil intends to refer Abal to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee for his comments on the chair to be occupied by Sir Michael.
He said the comments threatened the decorum and dignity of parliament.

Protesters told to stay away

POLICE will be out in full force today to ensure the parliament session is free from trouble, The National reports.
NCD-Central commander Fred Sheekiot yesterday said police had received information there were "certain groups of people who want to disrupt parliament sitting today".
He said the government must carry on its business in parliament as usual.
NCD metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop said no member of the public, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) "are permitted in the vicinity of parliament without good reason".
"We will not tolerate any NGO groups who hold rallies in the vicinity of parliament," Tondop said.

Government to push women’s bill

By SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE Equality and Participation Bill will be tabled in parliament today, The National reports.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill yesterday said the reserved seats bill was a priority agenda item of government.
He told a National Council of Women gathering at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby that it was imperative the reserved seats bill was presented in parliament for debate and voted on as soon as possible.
O'Neill said the participation of women in parliament was an important issue that had remained outstanding.
"Since coming into office, our go­vernment has seen this as an important outstanding issue,'' he said.
"That is why we are recalling parliament to seriously commence the process of legislating to include women as equal partners in the highest decision-making arena."
Women had been pressing the go­vernment to reserve 25 seats for women in the Papua New Guinea parliament.
Acknowledging the previous go­vernment for accepting the bill, he said there was no clear reason why the item had not been debated as yet.
O'Neill said his government was prepared to make women's representation in parliament a reality.
He said participation of women in the PNG parliament was low compared to other nations in the Pacific.
"There is only one woman MP, which means that our statistics of female participation is 0.9%, a shocking indicator, clearly contradicting our Constitution and the various government development goals," he said.
 "PNG is one of the only 12 countries to have 0.9 to zero per cent of women representation in parliament,"he said.
"We are rated as 136 out of 144 countries for having less than 1% of women in parliament.
"This is a shocking indication of our lack of real action to the commitments we have stated to our people in the Constitution and various development goals."
National Women Council president Scholla Kakas said women must have reserved seats in parliament.
 "It is high time for women to have a place in parliament," she said.
"Recognise us as human beings and give us the political recognition, equality and justice for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans."
Representatives from women groups and councils in Papua, Momase, highlands and the New Guinea Islands regions gathered to lobby for the bill.
Parliament has been recalled today to debate several bills including the Equality and Participation Bill.

Somare’s bill put at K3.7 million

FIVE-year-old Iluh Kara, dressed in her mother's Manus traditional bilas, was at the Jackson
International Airport yesterday morning to welcome home her bubu and East Sepik regional MP Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Iluh presented Sir Michael with a basket. Iluh's dad is the son of Sir Michael's only sister, Rosa.  – Nationalpic by EKAR KEAPU

THE state has paid K3.7 million to keep Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in Singapore's Raffles Hospital and for related costs, The National reports.
The actual hospital bill is less than K1 million but travel and accommodation expenses and sustenance allowances for his family, minders and visitors blew up the amount to K3,718,981.82.
An amount of K67,703.52 was still outstanding as of Aug 29.
All the expenses was borne by the Prime Minister's Department, which does not have any allowances within its budget for the medical expenses of the prime minister, deputy prime minister and other ministers of government, department sources said.
Sources also said Prime Minister Peter O'Neill had directed his department to transfer all future expenses to parliament and to have parliament reimburse the department's expenses so far.
At any time, there had always been three security officers and a protocol officer in attendance at the hospital as well as Lady Veronica, press secretary and daughter Betha Somare and personal assistant Seki Karingal. All their expenses were met by the department.
This came to light as the Grand Chief jetted in on an Air Niugini commercial flight from Singapore yesterday morning to an emotional welcome at the Jackson International Airport.
It was important that Sir Michael was in the country to attend tomorrow's sitting of parliament. To miss it would mean his third consecutive absence, rendering Sir Michael an automatic disqualification as the regional parliamentary representative of East Sepik.
The Grand Chief spoke briefly upon his arrival yesterday, looking frail but walking without assistance.
Scores of people, including Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, who broke with protocol to be pre­sent personally to meet Sir Michael, wept openly when they saw the former prime minister who had been in a Singapore hospital for the past four months.
Sir Michael greeted the airport crowd and spoke briefly on health care, clearly avoiding the events of Aug 2 and the election of O'Neill as prime minister.
"The days ahead of us are tough but I am one of those who have proven to be a fighter and to make things work," Sir Michael said.
A strategy meeting is expected to be held by the Somare camp today for tomorrow's parliament meeting.
The topic of where Sir Michael would sit would feature prominently with expectations that he would attempt to occupy the prime minister's chair.