Prime Minister, James Marape has assured Parliament that investigations into allegations surrounding recruitment irregularities and related incidents within the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) are nearing completion.
His assurance stemmed from questions raised by Opposition Leader Hon. James Nomane during Parliament Question Time yesterday.
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Responding to a series of questions from Mr. Nomane, Prime Minister Marape said the Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and would ensure a transparent and independent investigation into events linked to Murray Barracks and the PNGDF recruitment process.
Mr. Marape told Parliament that he had temporarily assumed responsibility for the Defense portfolio while investigations continue, after Defense Minister Hon. Dr Billy Joseph voluntarily stepped aside pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The Prime Minister in a statement stressed that no individual would be protected if found responsible for wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Marape said the integrity, credibility, and sovereignty of the PNG Defense Force remained of paramount importance to the Government and the nation.
“At any time, a Prime Minister can assume the role by determination. A Prime Minister, whether myself or the seven Prime Ministers who came before me, are Ministers of Ministers,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister commended Dr Joseph for stepping aside in the interest of transparency and accountability while investigations proceed.
“I give commendation to the Member for Nipa-Kutubu Hon. Dr Billy Joseph. An allegation was made against the PNG Defense Force when he was presiding over the Defense Portfolio as Minister, and he voluntarily stepped aside,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
Prime Minister Marape revealed that investigations were now at an advanced stage and involve scrutiny of all relevant offices connected to the matter, including the Office of the Minister for Defense, the Secretary for Defense, and the Defense Force command structure.
“We are looking into the totality of what transpired at Murray Barracks,” the Prime Minister said.
“Whether the Defense Minister had a role in what transpired, whether the Secretary of Defense had a role, or whether the Defense Commander had a role, the investigations are proceeding without bias or preconception.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the support of senior Australian Defense personnel assisting in the investigation process, describing the collaboration as important in ensuring the credibility and independence of the inquiry.
“I want to give appreciation to the senior Australian Defense Force Brigadier-General who has joined in the investigation,” he said.
He further assured Parliament that the investigation report would be made public once completed.
“I’ve asked for it to be completed at the very earliest. Hopefully within this month or early next month, the report will be made public to Parliament and to the country so that we restore credibility to the PNG Defense Force and our Government,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape strongly rejected suggestions of nepotism or conflict of interest involving the Defense Secretary, clarifying that proper merit-based processes were followed in appointments.
“We are not here to play nepotism. He earned his job on merit, and merit will maintain his job or send him out of the job,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Marape reminded Parliament that the PNG Defense Force was a national institution that must remain above politics and regionalism.
“The PNG Defense Force is bigger than James Marape or all of us. It is a sovereign identity of our country,” he stressed.
He said the Marape-Rosso Government remained fully committed to strengthening and modernizing the PNG Defense Force, including increasing troop strength, improving professionalism, and enhancing institutional integrity.
“Marape-Rosso Government has worked strongly to make sure that the Defense Force is brought back into its right place,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister called on all leaders and citizens to allow the investigation process to proceed professionally and responsibly.
“Ask questions with good intent. Ask with decorum, ask with clarity, ask with intention to correct and for good public policy,” he said.
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Prime Minister Marape concluded by assuring the nation that appropriate actions would follow once investigations are concluded and due process completed.
“The investigation is running. Upon its completion, we will decide what is the next course of action,” he said.