Former Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has passed on the baton to his successor Sir John Pundari yesterday at the Konedobu Police Head Office in Port Moresby.
Tsiamalili was moved to the Works and Highways Ministry which was left vacant when late Solan Mirisim passed on.
During the handover-takeover ceremony yesterday, Sir John vowed to restore law and order problems in the country while implementing strategies to restore public confidence, improve welfare and border security, strengthen capacity issues of the force.
“From where you left off, I will not let you and our Marape-Rosso government down; I will make efficiencies in policing and law and order enforcement in the country,” Sir John said.
He stressed that the primary work of police is to protect lives and properties and that everyone shouldn’t be living in fear of lawlessness.
However, Sir Pundari called on everyone in Police Department, diplomatic partners, leaders of Parliament, and community leaders, to work in collaboration with the police force to deliver high standards of policing around the country.
“I will need your support; you (Minister Tsiamalili) are young… but I will still learn from your police ministerial experience to police the country,” he said.
Mr. Pundari said he looked forward to building on from where his predecessor has left, with a focus on professionalism, discipline, community safety, and addressing long-term infrastructure and capacity needs.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to continuity, stability, and the safety and security of all Papua New Guineans.
Outgoing Police Minister Tsiamalili welcomed Sir John and handed over the Ministry.
He said: “I am leaving the organization with experienced hands, hoping for better law and order in the country.”
“Overall, I am shifting it into stronger hands in ensuring you will deliver from where I left off, despite the challenges faced,” Tsiamalili Jnr told Sir Pundari.
He said his focus was on restoring stability, strengthening police capability, and laying foundations for long-term reforms.