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Better to reinstall Polye, Duma

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The National – Monday, June 20, 2011

ONCE upon a time, Western Highlands politics used to impact nationally in the days when the power was held firmly by then prime minister Paias Wingti and when the late National Party leader, Paul Pora, refused stoutly to share government with him.
It seems, today, the power base has shifted westward to Enga, a part of Western Highlands which got separate in 1974 to form its own district.
Today, Wabag MP Sam Abal wields the big stick and dangles the carrots that grow so well up in Sirunki and calls the tune.
There is a highlands saying that in a “ples singsing”, there is only one song leader and so that which divided the Western Highlands “haus man” once is repeating itself in Enga.
Abal has removed his distant cousin and Kandep MP Don Polye from his Foreign Affairs ministry which Sir Michael Somare had installed him at as one of his last moves before he went away for his extended medical treatment in Singapore.
While the move has not been entirely unexpected, it has created no little debate and consternation, not the least of which has been inside the National Alliance party itself. Perhaps in the heat of the moment Abal did not think through the consequences of his actions as deeply as he should have.
Polye is a deputy in the party, one of four representing the four regions of the country. He also happens to have the largest number of highlands MPs supporting him. Both of these positions entitles him almost automatically to claim the leadership of the parliamentary wing of NA should the position be vacated by incumbent, Sir Michael Somare.
That Polye does not now hold the position of deputy prime minister and the job of acting PM has much to do with Sir Michael’s choice, one that operated outside the constitution of his own party. In his wisdom, he decided that Abal, rather than heir apparent, Polye, ought to be his deputy and therefore to be the acting PM after him.
 Sir Michael decided in his wisdom that it was not yet time to hand over the reins of leadership to Polye while he was away for an extended time.
While he acted outside the NA constitution, his own action is not illegal. As prime minister, it is entirely his prerogative to appoint members of his ministry. That power is vested in him by the PNG constitution and, therefore, far superior to the party constitution.
But political parties must operate cohesively. They must obey the dictates of their own constitution and regulations and policies. To not do so would be to invite chaos.
Whatever the motives of Sir Michael, he did not remove Polye completely. He allowed him to be in charge of his highlands faction. He gave him a ministry – a fairly senior one – and one that surprisingly Polye has handled very well in the short stint he has had there.
He went in there with very little experience but he has done well to the extent that regional leaders have commented that they have been impressed by him.
In that sense, it has been a remarkably insightful choice by Sir Michael. It has given Polye the breadth, depth and scope of issues at the international level that will prepare him better for any senior role he might have in future, including that of head of government.
Polye is an ally to Abal, not the enemy.
Together they have captured Enga for the ruling party, and left Enga Governor Peter Ipatas with only one other seat out of Enga’s six. To fight now this close to the elections is bad for the National Alliance in the province.
That is a very bad situation to be in going into the elections.
Polye has not been totally respectful of Abal, a matter that may have led to his sacking. There are reports he (Polye) openly sided with William Duma, the sacked former petroleum and energy minister in cabinet, and challenged Abal in cabinet on MoA issues, left cabinet in a huff  and stormed back in to continue the challenge.
Let us remember that both men were said to have been sacked for “insubordination”.
Whatever the personal issues, the sacking of Polye has not gone down well with the rank and file of NA and with other NA regional factions as well. This will have led to the long delay in announcing replacements for the ministries.
We think Polye ought to be reinstalled in some capacity or in his old job. In the final analysis that will make Abal look good to have done a good rethink.
There will be no loss of face and it is the right thing to do by his party.
 

News	Thursday 30th June, 2011

How to make PM’s retirement legal

THE Government was supposed to have appointed two medical doctors to report back within 28 days on the condition of the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare when he went into hospital for medical treatment and also heart surgery on April 21.
This is the view of a very senior legal officer in the Solicitor Generals Office. Had that been done, there would not be any confusion today on the way forward in relation to whether or not the office of the PM is vacant and when constitutional provisions should be invoked to elect a new Prime Minister.
“The proper and moral thing to do after the PM was admitted to the ICU, was to appoint two medical doctors to report within 28 days, pursuant to Section 6 of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council Act 2002, and after three months, they could then certify that the PM is medically unfit to return to office,” the lawyer said.
“That is to comply with the law, instead of allowing the PM to continue to hold the substantive post while in the sick bed,” and he paid tribute to the Somare family for going public on their decision for the Grand Chief to retire and allow the normal process to take its course.
He said the Constitution, supplemented by the Act, provided that when the PM is ill, “he is subjected to medical examination immediately, rather than treating it as another public servant on sick leave. The law is more concerned in the interest of the country”.
The following is the senior legal officer’s opinion with regard to the current situation PNG is faced with:
“There are six (6) instances where the position of the PM is permanently vacant and they are provided for under Section 147 of the Constitution:
* When he dies, or
* When he resigns by giving notice in writing to the Head of State pursuant to Section 146, or
* When he ceases to be qualified to be a Minister such as being unseated in a general election, or
* When he is dismissed from office through a vote of no confidence (ss. 142(5)(a) and 145), or
* When he is dismissed from office as a penalty for breaching the leadership code (Section 142(5) (b) and Division III.2), or
* When he is removed from office for being medically unfit (section 142(5)(c)).
“When the PM is dismissed in a Vote of No Confidence, that is the time when the person nominated as the alternate Prime Minister in the Motion automatically becomes the Acting PM until he is appointed PM by Parliament (Section 143 (2) of the Constitution). In all the other 5 instances, there is no other expressed provision for someone else to be the Acting PM apart from the Deputy Prime Minister who will assume that responsibility by operation of law, particularly section 143 (1) of the Constitution and section 4 of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council Act 2002. Both of these provisions provide a number of same instances, where an Acting PM can assume the office of the PM as Acting PM and they are:
(a) there is a vacancy in the office of Prime Minister; or
(b) the Prime Minister is suspended from office; or
(c) the Prime Minister is,
(i) absent from the country; or
(ii) out of speedy and effective communication; or
(iii) otherwise unable or not readily available to perform the duties of his office.
“Section 143 (1)(a) provides an instance where there is a permanent vacancy in the office of the PM as stated earlier. The combined effect of Sections 143(1) and 142 (1),(2),(3)&(4) of Constitution shows that when there is an instance of permanent vacancy in the office of the PM, Parliament must be immediately recalled by the Speaker to appoint a new PM.
“The first business of the day when Parliament meets after there is a permanent vacancy is to appoint a new PM (section 142 (2)). That also means that there can never be a Parliament session with an Acting PM, dealing with any other business without first appointing a PM to the substantive position. The scheme of legislation is such that it prevents an Acting PM to run the country when the mandated CEO of the country has vacated office permanently. The duration of the Acting PM is from the date of the permanent vacancy to the time of immediate appointment of the new PM.
“In relation to section 143(1)(b), the Acting PM assumes office when the PM is suspended from office. The suspension of the PM is provided under Section 142(6) where he can be suspended pending investigation by the tribunal or when he is suspended on medical reasons under Section 6 of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council Act 2002. If the PM is suspended by the tribunal, it does not take any longer than the period of hearing and determination. If the PM is on suspension pending medical examination then the time period is also specified. Over all, it is apparent that the scheme of legislation provide for the Acting PM to remain in office for a limited period.
The Current Situation
“The current situation is such that the PM himself did not make the decision to retire. Instead, it is the decision of the family due to his medical condition.
“The Prime Minister has not resigned because he is not capable of making that decision personally. As such, any decision made on his behalf by his family cannot be properly termed as resignation under Section 146 (1) of Constitution which provides for resignation.
“The Constitution does not provide for retirement procedures for retirement of the PM, nor does it provide for sick leave procedures.
“Two options are available for the PM’s:
n First is an instance where the PM and or a Minster ceases to be qualified as a minister. Under section 141(a) of the Constitution, there is only one qualification to be a Minister and that is being a Member of Parliament. It therefore follows that the PM can retire as the Regional MP for East Sepik Province which would effectively render the vacancy of the office of the PM under Section 147(1)(c) of Constitution.
n Secondly, the NEC should advise the Governor General to request the PNG Medical Board to appoint two medical practitioners to provide two medical report on the condition of the PM to be tabled in Parliament in accordance with Section 142 (5)(c) of Constitution and Section 6 of Prime Minister and National Executive Council Act 2002. Note that the latter Act provides a period of 3 months limit on the time allowable to test whether the PM can recover and if he does not within that period, Parliament can remove the PM under subsection (11) of that section.
“In the instant case, the PM’s family announced a retirement on behalf of the PM as the PM cannot coherently make a decision given his condition. If that position is to be allowed, then it takes the first option.
“The decision by the family can be taken as the PM retiring as the Regional MP of ESP. Otherwise, the most likely available option is the second one, where two medical doctors have to be appointed to provide a medical opinion.
“Note that the PM had been in hospital for more than three months which qualifies a final report in light of his condition as well as the family’s decision.”

News	Thursday 30th June, 2011

bal: Govt is stable

* No answer to possible crisis
* Sir J says Govt unstable
* Govt was wrong - lawyer

By Jonathan TanNos and Yehiura Hriehwazi

ACTING Prime Minister, Sam Abal, did not give a clear indication yesterday as to where PNG is headed in light of the Somare family’s expressed desire for their father and Grand Chief Sir Michael to retire completely from politics due to his serious medical condition.
Amid the confusion and political undercurrents, Mr Abal told leading corporate executives at Crowne Plaza Hotel that there was political stability in government which saw it through the 2012 General Elections despite rising and falling temperatures in Parliament.
But that stability was seriously questioned yesterday by another founding father of the nation, Sir Julius Chan (New Ireland Governor), who is now the only remaining MP who first entered the House of Assembly in 1968 with Sir Michael (Story on Page 2).
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, also called on constitutional office holders like Electoral Commissioner, Registrar of Political Parties, Chief Ombudsman and Attorney General to come forward and tell the nation about what should happen next.
In the meantime, a senior government legal officer said two medical doctors should have been appointed to monitor the PM’s condition (Story Page 3).
Mr Abal played down the likelihood of a constitutional crisis and spoke of the political stability of the last 10 years and the Government’s achievements.
He said the stability was a record for the country from 2002 under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, now undergoing medical treatment in Singapore.
Mr Abal was speaking during his opening address delivered to chief executive officers of State-owned enterprises in their one-day consultancy review at the hotel. He paid tribute to Sir Michael following the announcement by his son and Minister for State Enterprises, Arthur Somare, on Tuesday of the family’s decision to retire him from office.
Mr Abal said following the announcement on Tuesday, numerous calls from people in all walks of life had poured in, adding “it is nice to know the feelings of our people towards our leader”.
He told the CEOs that the Government would remain until the next elections “although we’ve had temperatures rising and dropping on the floor of Parliament”.
He said there were already political rumblings following the Tuesday’s retirement announcement to that effect. However, he chose not to delve into the matter. He continued to cite stability over the 10 years, describing it as “the most successful in the history of this young nation”.
“With political stability came the fruits of broad-based economic development that has touched most corners of this land,” he said.
“He came to political power again at a time the nation was at its lowest ebb.
“He leaves at a time of unparalleled opportunities for the country’s youth with major job creation underway for the first time in our history and thousands of new training opportunities created for jobs of the future.
“Sir Michael’s retirement is the start of a new era.
“He led this country into independence 36 years ago, before most of the current generation were born.
“He proved himself as its greatest political leader by winning several general elections.
“I will forever be grateful that when Sir Michael knew that he would undergo major open heart surgery and he decided last December to anoint me as his chosen successor, a prospect I had never anticipated.
“Because of the confidence of the Grand Chief, I have humbly, and with enthusiasm, accepted his challenge.”

Basil queries legality of PM’s retirement

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The National – Thursday, June 30, 2011

THE Opposition has called on the National Executive Council to appointment two practising doctors to reveal the health status of the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Deputy Opposition leader Sam Basil said although the family of Sir Michael had decided that he be retired from politics because of his health condition, it was wrong, in regards to the Constitution, for the family to make such statements.
He called on Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal to convene the NEC meeting and begin the process of invoking constitutional provisions to have the required medical examination of Sir Mi­chael.
“There is no legal provision for family members to declare that a prime minister has retired,” Basil said.
“While we all respect Sir Michael for his founding role in the formation of Papua New Guinea and we want to be sensitive to the Somare family at this difficult time, we have a duty in the national interest to do what is proper, moral and legal interest,” Basil said.
He criticised the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Sir Arnold Amet, and newly-ap­pointed Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Ano Pala, for not alerting the Somare family and Abal as acting prime mi­nister, to the sections of the Constitution which provided for the examination and certification of the prime minister’s health.
He urged Abal to convene an urgent sitting of the NEC and invoke section 142 (5)(c) of the Constitution by advising the go­vernor-general to request the PNG Medical Board to appoint two medical practitioners to examine and provide two medi­cal reports on the condition of the prime minister to be tabled in parliament.
“This is what should have happened after the prime minister was admitted to the intensive care unit in Singapore within 28 days and a report provided after three months to determine his medical fitness or otherwise to retain this post,’’ he said.
“There are no provisions in the National Constitution that re­cognises announcements made by family members in relation to a prime minister or a cabinet mi­nister’s retirement or resignation.”
Basil said that the nation would continue to remain in limbo over the vague and obscure gesture by the Somare family which had no basis in law.
 

Sir Julius pays tribute to long-time colleague

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The National – Thursday, June 30, 2011

ONE of the founding fathers of the nation and Governor of New Ireland, Sir Julius Chan, paid his tribute to his long-time colleague, Sir Michael Somare.
“I wish to pay tribute to a political colleague, friend, founding father of PNG and a true statesman, Sir Michael Somare. I join with all members of parliament and citizens of PNG to extend regret, sympathy and prayers for Sir Michael and his family on the announcement of his retirement as prime minister and member for East Sepik,” Sir Julius said.
He said Sir Michael and he shared a long and deep relationship in the building of the nation since 1968 when they were first elected into the House of Assembly.
“Today, I speak as one of the few Papua New Guineans elected with Sir Michael in 1968 to the then House of Assembly.
“It was there that we, just the few of us, beganothe transformation of that highest body in our land from a colonial to a national structure.
“There, seated among the otherwise mostly White Australian parliamentarians, Sir Michael and I share a brotherhood.
I will never forget as we took the first steps on that long road to Indepen­dence together.
“Over the years we have had, as two strong men will always have, our agreements and our disagreements.
“But at all times we have remained good personal friendship, enjoying the light pleasantries as well as the challenging experiences of politics, beginning in those early days of transition from colonial rule to self-go­vernment and finally Independence in 1975, and into the present,” Sir Julius said.
He said with differences in their professions before entering politics, he felt they had complemented each other.
He said Sir Michael, with his ability to spread the message of Indepen­dence, and he, with his ability to do the nuts and bolts work of establishing the framework of the nation they both worked so hard to create.
He said they shared a vision of what Papua New Guinea could become, “and that vision was never compromised by trivialities”.
Sir Julius said for nearly 50 years they had worked towards a common goal and for 50 years they had worked together as founding fathers of self-government in 1973.
He said the People’s Progressive Party helped to define the instruments for self-government and they were jolly good partners right up to Indepen­dence.
Sir Julius said their early political relations, compounded by the heavy responsibilities on their shoulders, drew them closer together.
He said they put politics aside to engineer a strong and prosperous future in which they worked side by side to lay a strong foundation for the country’s financial institutions.
“As his longest-serving colleague, as a good friend and friendly adversary, as a comrade in arms in all struggles we faced and overcame, I want to say today that he served our country well and he will be remembered in the histo­rical volumes, which will grow older with our Independence anniversaries. May he retire in peace with prayers of a grateful nation,” Sir Julius said.

Abal: Govt is intact

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The National – Thursday, June 30, 2011

By JEFFREY ELAPA
ACTING Prime Minister and Wabag MP Sam Abal has assured the nation that the National Alliance-led government is intact and will continue to dispatch its responsibilities until next year’s general election.
Abal said this during a  state-owned enterprises (SOE) consultation on the National Plan and Vision 2050, with the theme “Delivering through SOE” at the Crowne Plaza in Port Moresby yesterday.
He said despite speculations that the NA and coalition partners were splitting and regrouping to elect a new prime mi­nister after Sir Michael Somare stepped down, the go­vernment was intact.
But the talk in the corridors of power is that seve­ral MPs from the go­vernment are in talks with the opposition to change the prime minister when parliament resumes in August.
A few leaders who were interviewed said the coalition partners and NA members remained intact out of respect for Sir Michael.
The sources said since the PM had had been advised by his family to retire, the leaders could make their move.
Abal said in order to bring stability to the go­vernment and in fostering development, all political leaders needed to focus on the development agenda of the country first so “our people do not have to keep asking why they are still poor in a rich country”.
Abal said: “With less than a year to go before writs are issued for the next national election, it is my hope that politicians on both sides of parliament focus their best efforts on the people in their electorates, in deli­vering the best development outcomes possible.
“We can then go to next year’s election confident that which ever party wins the most seats, its leader can become the prime minister.”
Meanwhile, Abal urged all state-owned enterpri­ses to commit themselves to outlining three priority initiatives that could improve their profit margins and result in greater corporate growth.

Chief remains, says Kaiwi

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The National – Thursday, June 30, 2011

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare remains in office regardless of the wishes of his family, the president of his National Alliance party said yesterday.
“The position now is that the Somare family has made its wishes known,” National Alliance president Simon Kaiwi said yesterday.
“They do not want their father to continue as a politician. That is understandable.
“In terms of the positions that he (Sir Michael) holds as prime minister, parliamentary leader of NA and East Sepik member, he stills holds those positions.
“He is still the party leader and the PM until such time as that position is taken.”
He said Sir Michael’s position as prime minister would only be determined by parliament after legal requirements were satisfied.
The process to replace Sir Michael as parliamentary leader of NA begun in February this year at the Grand Chief’s own behest and was now well advanced, Kaiwi said. Kaiwi said the next caucus meeting, scheduled to be held in Jiwaka, would determine the party leadership position.
“We are at an advanced stage now,” he said. “The process is well under way.”
That process started in February when, in consultation with the Grand Chief, Kaiwi was told to prepare for a successor to Sir Michael.
The parliamentary wing of NA, comprising 42 MPs, would convene in Minj town to elect the leader of the National Alliance.
That leader would be NA’s choice for the PM’s post should a vacancy occur by then.
Should a vacancy occur before the July meet, Kaiwi said it was the sole prerogative of parliament to elect a prime minister.
The view that the Somare family’s announcement to retire Sir Michael without his knowledge does not constitute a legally-binding decision was also shared by a number of people yesterday.
Private lawyer Tiffany Nonggorr said:  “It is not a family monarchy we have here in PNG; that Arthur Somare or any member of the family can decide on when the prime minister of this country can step down or not step down.
“There are existing processes and bylaws of this land that must be followed.”
She said that by the application of this country’s section 142 of the Constitution and section 6 of the Prime Minister (PM) and National Executive Council (NEC) Act 2006, “the only way Sir Michael ceased being a PM is when he himself says (from his own mouth) that he has resigned and does so in writing to the national executive council, declaring that he is resigning and, therefore, stepping down”.
Or, that he is dismissed, suspended or voted out by parliament.
She said the application of such laws safeguard a PM (any PM) and the people of PNG from any actions, unscrupulous or otherwise.
She said the proper legal procedures required – under current circumstances – was that, upon advice from the national executive council, the governor-general was required to advise the PNG Medical Board,
“who designates two medical practitioners to examine the prime minister”.
It would be based on that joint medical report presented to the governor-general “who advises the speaker to advise parliament which would then decide whether to suspend the prime minister on medical grounds or not”.
She said only then can a new prime minister be elected by parliament.
Outside of that, no one, not even the prime minister’s family members, have any say in whether or not he, as the chief executive of the country, should step down or not.
Senior lawyer Peter Donigi had raised similar points and the opposition yesterday called for the appointment of medical practitioners to follow the dictates of the Constitution.

News	Friday 17th June, 2011

Major natural disaster looms
THE Government maybe facing a major natural disaster at its doorstep which it does not know about.
Parliament was yesterday told that all food gardens in Abau district with a population of nearly 50,000, have all been destroyed by heavy flooding caused by current heavy rains.
Member for Abau, Sir Puka Temu, told Parliament that all food gardens were now submerged due to the unrelenting rainfall that had been persistent over the past three weeks in the district.
He revealed this during Question Time when asking Inter-Government Relations Minister Job Pomat if an emergency team could be sent to the area to assess and verify reports from his District Administration about the destruction.
Dr Temu said a total of K6 million had been requested for relief assistance, based on the ground assessments done by the district officers.
He said the extent of the destruction went as far as Amazon Bay, Aroma coast and the nearby Rigo district as well.
He said roads had been cut off as severe flooding had washed away culverts and other makeshift crossings.
In reply, a no-nonsense Mr Pomat, said a team from the National Disaster Office would immediately be dispatched to undertake a ground survey and verify the initial reports.
And much to the relief of Dr Temu, Mr Pomat literally dashed out of Parliament to issue instructions for a team to be deployed to the affected areas straight after giving his undertaking.
Elsewhere in the Cental Province, it is understood many in the low-lying areas are facing the same destructive situation as Abau and are expected to make similar appeals for relief assistance. 

News	Friday 17th June, 2011

Basil: Asian mafia growing
By Simon Eroro and Travetz Mabone

ASIAN crime syndicate will grow “stronger and bigger” in PNG and target politicians, public servants and businessmen who stand in their way, Parliament was told yesterday.
Maverick Bulolo MP Sam Basil said: “If the government cannot address these issues now, those organisations will only grow bigger and stronger into the future. There will be a very real threat to public servants, national politicians and national businessmen who stand in their way.”
Mr Basil questioned Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal on what the Government was doing to control such groups following the assassination of a Tango Supermarket general manager Wong Tee Tee Tee as he was driving his car through the Hohola Tunnel at 3.30pm on Wednesday. The assassin then followed him and fired more shots into the car and he eventually died of loss of blood at Burns Peak.
Mr Abal admitted that the issue on organised Asian crime syndicate was an issue that was hard for the Government to handle however, new changes to make Immigrations a separate authority with its own funding, would help to scrutinise such activities.
Mr Basil also asked what the Government was doing regarding the recommendations of the Guns Summit Report and the Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Asian Riots.

The acting PM urged Mr Basil not refrain from labelling the Asians and their nationalities as some of them were genuine investors in PNG.
Mr Basil slammed the acting PM’s attempts to down-play the seriousness of “Organised Asian Crime Syndicate” as a racial slur on Asians.
“One of the primarily roles of any government is to act responsibly and swiftly to safeguard the national security of its citizens and residents.
“That is what I said before urging him to carefully answer those questions that I have put forward,” Mr Basil said.
“My concern was about crime, the use of guns in this crime, and the slackness of Government despite funding a full-fledged nationwide Gun Summit in implementing the report and its recommendations.”
He was critical of the Acting PM taking off on his own tangent without addressing the substance of his questions.
“He could not come up with an answer on the lack of funding of the Parliamentary Committee on anti-Asian riots and the removal of Angalimp-South Wahgi MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham as chairman,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Operations Fred Yakasa could neither deny nor confirm the existence of the Asian mafia in the country.
He said he could only assume the existence of such a group because of the nature of such crimes being committed.
Reference could also be drawn to a previous attempt to gun-down the owner of TST group of companies last year.
However, he said that there was still no strong evidence to prove that such syndicates existed.
With regard to the killing on Wednesday, he said the late Mr Wong’s wife and family are in Malaysia and have been informed of this tragic incident.
Mr Yakasa condemned the killing and vowed to commit all police resources towards catching the killers.
Mr Wong was from Malaysia and had lived and worked in Papua New Guinea for more than 20 years.
Mr Yakasa was deeply concerned about the killing, stating: “We have reason to believe that this was an assassination due to the manner in which the shooting was carried out.”

“I am concerned about this and I am sure many Papua New Guineans as well as our visitors and business partners are too.
“Police will take a hard line approach to this type of activity to ensure that it does not happen again,” he said while strongly maintaining that those caught will be dealt with severely.
Mr Yakasa is also appealing to the public who has any information regarding the assassination to come out to the police while also calling on those that might have an idea about anyone or groups that may have had something against Mr Wong that could have led to such extremities.
He said that this sort of crime is something new to PNG and the last thing is to see nationals getting involved in this.
The president of the Chinese Association in PNG Inc. Mrs Ni Cragnolini, has condemned the brutal murder of Mr Wong, saying it brought unnecessary unease to the community. She described Mr Wong as a well respected person in the Chinese business community who did not deserve to be a victim of such heinous crimes.
“Mr Wong was a well known Chinese businessman and was well respected by many in the PNG Chinese Community. This is such sad news for all those who knew him and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
“Any killing like this is a shock to all. It brings bad publicity to the country and causes unnecessary unease,” she said.
Mrs Cragnolini went on to condemn the brutal and senseless slaying and called upon the police to bring those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. She said: “Let the police do their job, be calm and let his family and friends grieve as they lay him to rest.” She urged for peace and calm in the community. 

Abal’s son in police custody

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The National – Thursday, June 16, 2011

PORT Moresby detectives were last evening questioning the adopted son of Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal at Boroko police station over the murder of an unidentified woman at the Abal residence grounds.
Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie said detectives, acting on intelligence information, picked up Theo Abal yesterday morning at the Ponderosa Hotel in Port Moresby.
Police have named him as the prime suspect after he went into hiding following the discovery of the body.
While overseas media, including Radio Australia, were telling their audiences last night that Theo Abal was charged with wilful murder, Wagambie said he had not been informed.
He was also unable to confirm reports that the victim’s throat had been slit and that the murder weapon – a knife – had been recovered by police.
The dead woman’s identity also remained unknown.
Her body is at the Port Moresby General Hospital morgue and police called on relatives of missing women to come forward to identify her.
The arrest, and subsequent actions by police, related to the discovery of a woman’s body on Monday morning inside the Abal residence grounds in Konedobu. On the night, guards at the residence told police they had seen a man walk in hand-in-hand with a woman through the gate.
Later, they said they heard a woman scream.
Following the discovery of the body, the acting prime minister called the police commissioner and reported that there was a body inside his yard.
He told the commissioner, and later parliament, that he and his family would assist police in their investigations and anybody found responsible would face the full brunt of the law.
The opposition yesterday called on the acting prime minister to step down while investigations into the case was under way.

Four get loans from PNGWiB

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The National – Thursday, June 16, 2011

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THREE Papua New Guinean women entrepreneurs and one professional woman yesterday received more than K72,000 in sustainable loans from the PNG Women in Business (PNGWiB).
Small business owners Rebecca Haibu and Josephine Paul Ambaen from New Life Group each applied for and successfully received K1,000 while Josephine Chapiu was loaned K700.
These three women were the first grassroots women entrepreneurs to receive loans.
The loan is to assist the women with enough cash for their business.
The fourth, owner and managing director of Human Resource Business Solutions Linda Paru, was the first professional entrepreneur to receive a loan of K70,000 from PNGWiB.
PNG WiB president Janet Sape said the women had savings with the PNGWiB so they were eligible to apply for loans to further their businesses and support themselves and their families.
Sape said the payouts should be seen as an opening not just for grassroots women but also for professional women to come and apply for financial support.
She said PNGWiB, believed that women could do better and wanted them to have easy access to these funds as it was difficult to obtain loans from commercial banks.
Sape added that the financial training for women in Morobe was proving successful as many women now knew how to apply for loans.
She said these women were mostly illiterate, thus the training helped them understand how to plan and save their money.
The PNGWiB has so far loaned K107,400 to grassroots women in six months.
 

Citifon extends Queen’s birthday offer

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The National – Thursday, June 16, 2011

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TELIKOM PNG Ltd has extended its Queen’s Birthday offer following high customer demands throughout Port Moresby and Lae during sales road shows last weekend.
The offer, which was launched last week, saw hundreds of customers brave the heat and rain  in the two centres just to get hold of one of the V3 Xing handsets  on special offer.
The citifon Queen’s Birthday special offer allowed customers to talk and use short message services more at the price of only K1.
Customers who bought K49 worth of top-up credits received a V3 Xing, one of citifon’s five recently launched handsets at an unbeatable price of only K1.
The V3 comes complete with cool features such as music and video player, voice recording and colour display.
Telikom PNG chief commercial officer Ajay Mathur said: “Our customers’ feedback on citifon’s Queen’s Birthday offer was outstanding.
“With the high demand on citifon handsets, our customers got more value for their money with this offer.
Telikom is committed to bringing the world closer to everyone in PNG at an affordable cost and citifon’s unbeatable call rates does just that.”
In addition, the recent inclusion of the Telikad for voice and data account recharge also meant that customers could now enjoy this offer by topping up their citifon handsets with either the Rait or Telikad scratch cards.
Customers were encouraged to visit a Telikom business office to make use of the offer.
The offer is valid for new connections with V3 Xing only and available only in Port Moresby and Lae only.
 

Blues stun Maroons

Source: 

The National – Thursday, June 16, 2011

Picture: 

SYDNEY: New South Wales en­sured Darren Lockyer’s State of Origin farewell would be an all-or-no­thing affair as the Blues sent the series to a decider with a courageous 18-8 win at ANZ Stadium here last night.
The Blues were relentless as they overcame the Maroons with their up-tempo blitzkrieg, returning son Anthony Minichiello the hero with the match-sealer three minutes from time to send the 81,965 fans into delirium.
Clinging to a 12-8 lead as they looked to avoid a sixth straight series loss, Blues five-eighth Jamie Soward stepped through the Queensland de­fence before finding Minichiello – a late call-up to replace Josh Dugan for his first Origin since 2007 – in support.
Minichiello may have taken the plaudits, but there were plenty of heroes for the Blues, captain Paul Gallen, who was named man of  the match produced a mountainous 234m performance up front, and 19-year-old centre Will Hopoate celebrating his Origin debut with a stunning try which gave the Blues a lead they would not relinquish.
The series-tying win was not how Lockyer would have liked to have cele­brated his record-breaking 35th Origin appearance, but it ensured the finale would be a memorable one as the Blues looked to win their first series since 2005.
Gallen  got the first hit-up he publicly craved before the game, but the tradi­tional Origin ferocity made way for blinding speed as the referees set about putting their imprint on the contest as Johnathan Thurston gave the Maroons an early 2-0 lead with a penalty.
On the back of a run of penalties, the Blues grabbed the momentum, but they lost it just as quickly with the surprise decision to go for an equaliser back-firing when Soward’s attempt from distance rebounded off the upright.
The Maroons secured back-to-back sets, and having offered stout resistance over the opening quarter of the match, the Blues would have been mortified by the soft passage allowed Cameron Smith – who darted out from dummy half to cross from 5m out.
The insertion of Kurt Gidley off the bench breathed life into NSW’s charge, and the once impregnable Maroons wall was littered with holes as the Blues marched downfield with intent.
It finished with Mitchell Pearce kicking for the corner and Luke Lewis – with his second touch of the ball – outleaping Billy Slater to score in the corner, Soward landing a conversion from the sideline to close the gap to two.
The Blues once again had a sniff and they threatened with Akuila Uate po­sing problems down the right edge, but the finishing touch the home side longed for was nowhere to be found before the break.
Having completed 19 sets without an error over the opening 40 minutes,
the Maroons came up with two inside the opening five minutes of the second stanza.
Slater saved their bacon when he cleaned up a Soward grubber, but he could nothing to deny Hopoate, who contorted his body, arm and the ball to touch down in the corner  –  his poise under pressure to score belying his teenage years.
Another Soward pearler from the sideline pushed the home side out by four, but anyone who has witnessed Queensland play over 31 years of Origin knew better than to think the Blues were safe.
Anthony Watmough went close to adding some scoreboard security only to be pulled up centimetres out, but the enormity of that defence had nothing on the display at the other end when Lewis came from the clouds to stop Cooper Cronk 10m out.
Michael Ennis gave away a blocking penalty to give the Maroons another chance, but NSW were not to be denied as Minichiello ensured a fairytale Origin return. – AAP
 

Our People, Our Land - West New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Islands region

WESNT NEW BRITAIN

In contrast to the popular tourist destination of East New Britain, West New Britain is virtually untouched, unexplored and unknown. The exception is Walindi Plantation Dive Resort, a favourite destination for divers from all parts of the world.
The Resort is located on a privately owned oil palm plantation on the shores of Kimbe Bay. The Bay is fringed by volcanic mountains, some still active. Divers can explore volcanic caves draped in staghorn coral and reef drop-offs. The clear blue waters are home to dogtooth tuna, trevally, barracuda, dolphins and dugong and for night diving, the luminescence lights the way. The most popular site for night diving is known as “The Cathedral”, a horse shoe shaped reef with a large cave at one end. The floor is covered in white sand and the outside is draped in staghorn and gorgonia coral. Walindi has resident instructors to provide tuition for first time divers. The fishing and snorkelling are excellent.


source: http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20110615/ipost.htm 

Top cop investigated

Mamose Post

Wednesday 15th June, 2011

Top cop investigated 
LAE Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Nema Mondiai has confirmed that the Lae Task Force Commander is under investigation for allegedly discharging his firearm in a public place under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Mondia confirmed that the officer is also being investigated for unlawful assault. He said two separate complaints have been filed with police Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) in Lae, and then appropriate charges will be laid against him. The officer is also being investigated for allegedly assaulting the wife of convicted Madang BSP bank robber Bobby Selan, Julie.
Mr Mondiai said the allegations are serious and needs to be investigated properly. He said he had received a letter of complaint from Samson Timson of Kamkumung village regarding the shooting and a formal complaint from Mrs Selan, regarding the assault.
He said the officer stated to him that he had slapped Mrs Selan for rubbishing the police for fabricating charges in relation to the BSP robbery which landed her husband in jail. But Mrs Selan denied that. She said she was at the night club with her friends and the officer made advances at her and when she refused, he slapped her on her ears.
Mr Timson in his letter of complaint alleged that on May 28, he was at The Place with some of his relatives and friends, and the officer picked an argument with the group. He alleges that the officer swore at the group and as he approached to find out about the commotion, the officer ran to the gate of the night club, then pulled out his pistol, fired two shots into the air and then lowered the pistol and aimed it at him.

Cancer treatment centre urgently needs equipment

Mamose Post

Wednesday 15th June, 2011

By OSEAH PHILEMON

CERVICAL cancer among women in Papua New Guinea is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the country, Dr John Niblett, specialist oncologist at Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, has said.
But he warned that there is a shortage of staff using aging radio therapy equipment at the National Cancer Treatment Unit at the hospital to treat patients who are referred to Angau Hospital from other provincial hospitals.
Dr Niblett described the situation as extremely serious, warranting action by authorities to save the lives of women.
He stated that there are no facilities nor trained health personnel available at most hospitals to carry out pap smear tests on women, which is the first screening test for any sign of cervical cancer. Most women are diagnosed with cervical cancer after heavy vaginal bleeding for some time. Dr Niblett said by that time the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Last week, Dr Niblett said he had received a message from a highlands hospital that 20 women were being referred to Angau with cervical cancer. He said he has also been receiving similar messages from other hospitals. Dr Niblett said the cancer treatment centre desperately needs new equipment to better treat women and other cancer patients as the current cobalt machine which is a 1070s model is too old and unreliable to provide radiation treatment from patients. The unit’s simulator machine, which helps to plan treatment for patients, has been out of action for the past seven months.
Dr Niblett made a special reference to a CT scan which he said was urgently needed to help him and his staff understand the extent of the disease in a patient and plan treatment accordingly. He said the CT scan would also be available for all other patients in the hospital who need vital service as ordered by their doctors. A brand new CT scan machine would cost around $A600,000. He said he was awaiting the arrival of a team from America to fix the simulator machine at the cancer unit so that his staff could use it to plan treatment for patients. The simulator takes x-rays of patients and helps the doctor to plan treatment accordingly. He spoke to the Post-Courier when introducing Australian radiation therapist Catherine Beaufort from the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, who has taken leave without pay to help at the National Cancer Treatment Unit.
Ms Beaufort came to Angau under the auspices of an organisation called Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA).
Dr Niblett has also expressed concern at the lack of pathology back-up to help him and his team better understand the extent of cancer growth in each patient. He said with the absence of a CT scan and pathology tests it is difficult to prescribe proper treatment for patients. He said the unit also needs two medical registrars and a resident doctor to enable continuing treatment of patients.

Our People, Our Region - Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

Mamose region

MADANG PROVINCE

The most popular location in Papua New Guinea for divers, Madang Province consists of reef-fringed lowlands backed by some of the most rugged mountains in Papua New Guinea and offshore volcanic islands.
Colourful Madang township has been called the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. It’s peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. Although small, the town has modern urban facilities, including hotels, department stores, markets and artifact shops. There are five hotels in Madang - The Madang Resort Hotel, Smugglers Inn, Jais Aben Resort, Malolo Plantation Resort and Madang Lodge Motel, all of which provide excellent facilities. There are a few budget guesthouses and lodges around Madang and some small village guesthouses on several of the islands on Madang lagoon. The area is world famous for its coral reefs and superb visibility making diving good all year round.

300 villagers seek payment for water

Highlands region

Wednesday 15th June, 2011

By NEVILLE TOGAREWA

THE people of two Palimp villages of Moge Nampka tribe of Western Highlands have been supplying Mt Hagen city with water for more than 30 years and they want the government to compensate them for their resource.
According to their leaders, the government had paid only K15,000 about 32 years ago (December 18, 1979) and they want something done about this.
More than 300 tribesmen and women and their leaders gathered at Palimp One village on the edge of Mt Hagen city on Saturday and petitioned Governor Tom Olga to take up their grievance with appropriate authorities in Waigani.
Councillors, chiefs and other community leaders did not reveal details of the petition and no copies were given to the media but it is understood that they are asking for K2.5 million.
Councillor David Rumints told the gathering that their ancestors gave their land away that is now occupied by Mt Hagen city and Rebiamul, the headquarters of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mt Hagen.
Late MP Raphael Doa initiated the K15,000 payment and the understanding was for the government to find another source of water supply after 10-15 years but the government had not honoured this agreement, Mr Rumints said.
He said the landowners took the matter to court but no decision had been made.
“The Waterboard has been benefitting (from collection of water rates) for about 20 years now but not the landowners,” Cr Rumints said.
Senior councillor Jacob Kop said then Opposition leader Sir Michael Somare and late Mr Doa were the last leaders to visit the people of Palimp village in 1982.
The councillor said Governor Olga was the first leader to visit the area after about 29 years.
“Our water resource is the source of the city’s water supply.
“The landowners received only K15,000 and they have been supplying the city with their water for about 30 years now without complaining.
“Thank you, Governor Olga for coming to accept the people’s petition,” Cr Kop said.
Mr Olga commended the Moge Nampka tribesmen for their patience.
“You have patience, wisdom and understanding.
“Presenting your petition through me to the government is the right way to go about addressing your concerns,” he told the people.
The Governor said water was vital for life and he had made water, sanitation and garbage collection and disposal an integral part of his K1.2 billion Mt Hagen City Redevelopment Plan.
Mr Olga gave K20,000 to the people and told them that he would return in two weeks time on June 25 and give them his response on their petition.

Our People, Our Region - Chimbu

highlands region

Chimbu Province

In the heart of the Highlands is Simbu Province, bordered by Madang to the iorth and the Gulf country to the south. It is the smallest but most densely )opulated of all the provinces. The terrain is extremely rugged, with many of the valleys inaccessible. Some of the highest mountains in Papua New Guinea are in Simbu Province including Mt Wilhelm, at 4,509 metres, the highest peak in Papua New Guinea.
Known to avid mountain climbers around the world, for the reasonably fit it is not a difficult climb for those who like to be physically challenged. There is a clearly marked track which passes traditional Simbu villages, through dense rainforest, into the valley before reaching Pindaunde Lakes where there are basic huts for overnight stays. The view from the summit is spectacular, on a clear day stretching from the north to the south coast. Cold weather gear is recommended as it can get very cold on top, sometimes snowing. Guides and porters can be arranged as well as organised trekking expeditions.

source: http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20110615/hpost.htm 

PNG Govt secures K74m

Business

Wednesday 15th June, 2011

By MOHAMMAD BASHIR

AFTER sleepless nights and frequent travels between PNG and China, the Government has finally secured a K74 plus million concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China for the developments of the multi million Kina Madang Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ).
The agreement was signed last Tuesday in China by Commerce and Industry Minister Gabriel Kapris and Zhu Honjie, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China.
On November 4, 2009, the People’s Republic of China and the government of PNG entered into the Framework Agreement on provision of government interest-subsidised concessional loan.
The government requested 506,000,000 million Yuan (about K74million) for the financing needs of PMIZ under a commercial contract.
On September 29, 2010, China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Corporation which is the Chinese supplier entered into a contract for the design, construction and supply of equipment and materials for the PMIZ with the PNG government for US$95 million.
With the PNG tuna industry getting duty free access to the European Union, the project is expected to be the leader in the renewable resource sector in the country.
While Minister Kapris is still in China, Commerce and Industry Secretary Stephen Mera yesterday hailed the agreement as a springboard to PNG’s economic boom.
“With the PNG LNG project already leading and putting PNG on the world map, the PMIZ project will further boost and stamp PNG on the world map as a serious investment destination,” he said.
The loan will be used to build the necessary infrastructure for the industrial zone which will in turn be used by foreign investors to build their own plants.
Mr Mera said there were exciting times ahead and he commended Mr Kapris for providing the leadership with his tireless effort.
“I commend the foresight of Minister Kapris and all the other officers of my department, Treasury and finance for their efforts in securing this huge loan,” Mr Mera said.

No DSIP funds for most Open electorates

News	Wednesday 15th June, 2011

By JONATHAN TANNOS

MOST of the 89 Open Electorates in PNG are likely to miss out on their full District Support Improvement Program (DSIP) funds for 2010 and 2011 because their Members failed to acquit initial releases.
This hard reality was yesterday announced by Finance and Treasury Minister, Peter O’Neill, in Parliament.
Mr O’Neill said where there were no acquittals for DSIP funds, there would be no releases.
Mr O’Neill was answering questions from the Member for Telefomin, Peter Ivei, who asked when the full release of development grants, including DSIP, District Support Grants, be released to Members of Parliament.
Mr Ivei said the general election was fast approaching and MPs had to deliver projects to their people on time.
Mr O’Neill said warrants of release for K89 million in DSIP funds for 2011 had already been issued to the Office of Rural Development, who in turn would remit them to all district treasuries.
He said despite that, it was most unfortunate that some Members would be missing out because they had not fully acquitted for their 2010 allocations.
This meant that they would also be missing out on their 2011 allocations.
He said where there were no acquittals, no DSIP funds would be released.
Mr O’Neill said DSIP was not an election fund but public money aimed at bringing development to the electorates.
He said many Members of Parliament had not acquitted for past releases and would not be getting any funds until they did so.   

‘No play up’ Abal warns

News	Wednesday 15th June, 2011

By YEHIURA HRIEHWAZI

ACTING Prime Minister Sam Abal told Parliament yesterday that there would be “no play-up” in the petroleum sector by leaders and actions he took had been welcomed by the industry.
Last week, he sacked Petroleum Energy Minister William Duma, citing non-performance and Don Polye from Foreign Ministry for insubordination.
Mr Abal said there would be “no play up” in Parliament in response to a series of questions from former chairman of the government’s gas committee and Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, who directed the questions initially to Petroleum Minister – a ploy to highlight the vacancy in the post – and then re-directed them to Mr Abal. This tactful approach brought about a few grins and smiles among MPs in the chamber. One MP was heard saying, he had been sacked, in reference to Petroleum Minister.
“The leadership provided by the government in the industry leaves a lot to be desired. There are lots of business opportunities and lots of young people being trained like never before and the future is looking very bright,” Sir Puka said.
Unfortunately, he said, the recent actions of the Acting Prime Minister was contrary to the commitment of the government to the PNG LNG project.
“Can the Acting PM assure the investors in the LNG project and the people of PNG that your government would provide the necessary leadership that is required by this transformational project?” Sir Puka said.
He also raised questions relating to issues surrounding the UBSA,LBSA, MOA funds and with elections around the corner, expressed fears that the government might not provide leadership in dealing with issues relating to the petroleum and energy sector. He proposed a bi-partisan approach to resolve issues in the sector.
The Acting PM agreed that the LNG project is “transformational” to the PNG economy as outlined by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare in 2007 and “there’s a lot of things moving, a lot of things are coming up, for once in this country, stabilisation has occurred and investors have confidence in this country.
“All over the world, people are talking about PNG now, even among those who did not talk about it and even criticised it and said it’s a place where you cannot go, now everybody is filling up the planes to come to PNG,” Mr Abal told Parliament.
“That is a legacy in itself, a legacy of this government when LNG was negotiated,” he said.
He said there was no question about the government’s willingness to work with investors in PNG.
“As acting Prime Minister, there is no question about assurance to the industry, we can assure the industry about our willingness to work with them
In relation to his actions last week and whether there would be continued leadership in the petroleum sector, the Acting PM said: “I can assure you Mr Speaker, Members and the country, the promotion, the control, the ability to ensure the projects, especially the LNG project (is looked after) is always going on in government.”

He said that was one of the primary reasons, why “I’ve taken the measure that I’ve done, in order to assure the investors in the sector, that there is no play-up in this sector and that the government will scrutinise exactly what happens in terms of promoting and ensuring that the project does not come off late.”
“Some of those considerations were there but I would like to assure the parliament and the people and the investors that the actions I have taken now, some of the responses I get from the industry itself is that, they welcome what has happened,” Mr Abal told Parliament.
With regards to outstanding payments under various commitments, he said the people must break from the culture of demanding for cash payments and allow the money to be spent on schools, roads, bridges, medicals clinics and other infrastructure projects.
He said the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and Oil Search Limited will take the lead in implementation of the projects in the oil and gas rich areas.   

State of Origin 2011 game two live scores and blog

It’s New South Wales vs Queensland in the secondState of Origin game tonight as the Blues look to turn-around the series in a do-or-die clash against the Queensland Maroons juggernaut.

While Queensland felt the pressure in game one from a plucky New South Wales side, the talented Maroons will look to roll on at the Blues home turf.

The clash takes place at ANZ Stadium, where traditionally, the Blues have been strong. However, whatever hoodoo New South Wales held has been torn apart over the last two series, with Queensland winning two of the last three games played in Sydney.

The last clash at the stadium was a 24-28 win for Queensland who swept the 2010 series 3-0, having beaten the Blues twice at home.

NSW coach Ricky Stuart has made six changes to the side that were beaten at Suncorp with four forced changes due to injury, most notably bringing in replacement fullback Anthony Minichello for Josh Dugan. Minichello who was last seen in Blue in 2007.

Stuart also brings back to Origin Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Anthony Watmough, while Will Hopoate makes his debut at just nineteen. Paul Gallen moves to the front row alongside Tim Mannah.

Queensland coach Mal Meniga had the luxury of calling up the now-fit star centre Greg Inglis into a side already burgeoning with talent, and brings David Taylor onto the bench in place of Jacob Lillyman.

Log on for pre-game chat, follow the scores, and join the debate from 7.30pm for the kick off at 8pm (live on Channel Nine – AEST)

State of Origin 2011 teams:

New South Wales Blues ($2.25): Anthony Minichello, Jarryd Hayne, Will Hopoate, Mark Gasnier, Akuila Uate, Jamie Soward, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen (c), Michael Ennis, Tim Mannah, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Greg Bird.

Interchange: Trent Merrin, Kurt Gidley, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis

Queensland Maroons ($1.65): Billy Slater, Jharal Yow Yeh, Greg Inglis, Dane Neilsen, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston, Ashley Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Petero Civoniceva, Cameron Smith, Matt Scott

Interchange:
Cooper Cronk, Corey Parker, Ben Hannant, David Taylor

source: http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/15/state-of-origin-2011-game-two-live-scores-and-blog/

OC finds no NHC legislation

Source: 

The National – Tuesday, June 14, 2011

By SAMUEL RAITANO
AN OMBUDSMAN Commission (OC) report highlighting the absence of legislation on National Housing Corporation (NHC) dealings with certain models of properties is before Parliament.
The report reveals that there were no legislation or proper policy on NHC dealings with duplex properties.
The report was presented to the speaker last Friday.
It follows an OC investigation conducted into a NHC dealing with a duplex property consisting of two units, 16 and 17 at section 119, lot 8, Saraga,  Moresby Northeast.
The NHC had improperly sold the duplex property to the tenant of unit 16, who again sold the property to a third party, victimising the tenant of unit 17 who had an initial arrangement with NHC to occupy it.
The irregularity was that the NHC failed to follow the le­gislative model for the sale of the dwelling under part 4, division 2 of the NHC Act.
NHC also had no sell-off scheme policy to properly coordinate the sale and transfer of NHC properties, both single and duplex properties.
It was said that, as a result of that, the tenant of unit 17 became a victim of the transaction.
The system of business houses and individuals buying off duplex properties from NHC, resulting in the kicking out of tenants of the contained units who had separate arrangements with NHC, was the major irregularity with no legislation to bind the stakeholders involved in the whole deal.
Chief Ombudsman Chronox Manek, while presenting the report, said that OC was exerci­sing its discretion to publish it under section 23 of the Organic Law on Ombudsman Commission.
This was because the findings and recommendations had application to a large number of government agencies, and that the matters investigated had considerable media interest and public debate.
This meant property deals of the similar irregular nature may have or had affected other tenants of NHC properties throughout the country, and that other government agencies may also be operating certain functions under similar legislative errors.
The speaker was required under section 23(1) (d) of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission to present the report to the parliament within eight sitting days, the OC said.
The OC expects the report to be debated in parliament this week.
Ombudsman John Nero said that for too long reports by the OC had been shelved when presented for parliamentary debate.
And the OC did not want to see this happen to the NHC report.
The statement was made in reference to stagnation on the compliance to recommen­dations made by the OC via se­ve­ral previous reports, inclu­ding the Julian Moti inquiry report.