Prime Minister James Marape says the independent inquiry into the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) recruitment process at Murray Barracks is nearing completion, with the Government committed to acting on its findings once the report is received.
Responding to questions from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird in Parliament last week, Mr. Marape said he had directed Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu two weeks ago to expedite the inquiry.
“The report has not yet reached my office,” Mr. Marape said in a statement.
“Two weeks ago, I directed the Chief Secretary to hasten this report, and I have been advised that it is now being finalized.”
The Prime Minister said he had deliberately stayed away from the investigation to protect its independence.
“At my level, I am not privy to the details of this investigation. It is not my business to ask because I may compromise or undermine the independence of the investigation,” he said.
“We have given the investigators full respect to independently assess, in totality, what happened at Murray Barracks.”
Mr. Marape urged people not to speculate about the report or the possible involvement of individuals before the inquiry is completed.
“It surprises me to hear suggestions that the former Defense Minister may be implicated.”
“I do not know what information anyone has to make such an assumption before the report is completed,” he said.
“If I, as Chairman of the National Executive Council, and the NEC itself, which authorized this investigation, are not privy to the findings, then it is inappropriate for anyone else to speculate.”
He said due process must be respected, and Parliament would have the opportunity to examine the report after it is tabled.
“It is acceptable to raise matters of national concern, but we must allow the proper processes of our country to run their course,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government would not protect anyone if wrongdoing was uncovered.
“If there is any finding of misconduct or improper influence, then the appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
“The same hand that appoints ministers is the same hand that can remove ministers.”
Mr. Marape reiterated that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty and said the integrity of the PNGDF was more important than any individual.
“The Defense Force is bigger than James Marape. It is bigger than any minister,” he said.
He said the Government was implementing the largest expansion of the PNGDF in decades, increasing its strength to about 7,000 personnel across five battalions, while creating opportunities for more than 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve with the Australian Defense Force under bilateral arrangements.
Mr. Marape acknowledged public concern over the Murray Barracks recruitment process and said the Government was determined to restore public confidence.
“This is not the first time Murray Barracks has experienced problems in its recruitment process, and we are leaving no stone unturned in getting to the truth,” he said.
“I share the Opposition’s desire to see this report completed as quickly as possible. That is why I have personally pressed for its completion.
“Once the report is received, the country will have the benefit of reading it, and the Government will act on its recommendations in the best interests of our Defense Force and our nation.”