Prime Minister O’Neill is working quickly and firmly to protect the interests of the State and the people of Western Province

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill says the lengthy and detailed work by the Eminent Persons Group has failed to reach a resolution on the differences between the national Government and the PNG Sustainable Development Program on the structure and operations of the PNGSDP. As a result, the National Executive Council has authorised the Attorney General to engage the services of leading Singapore law firm, Wong and Partners, to represent the State in the legal action instigated in Singapore by the former PNGSDP board and management.

“Wong and Partners has been instructed to commence proceedings to protect the interests of the State, and the people of the Western Province. This may include proceedings in Singapore to liquidate PNGSDP,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. Over the weekend, Attorney General Kerenga Kua, Western Province Governor Ati Wabiro and the Prime Minister met with the appointed legal representatives in Singapore to issue formal instructions. They were accompanied by the State Solicitor and Mr Ian Molloy, QC. Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said it was most unfortunate that the Eminent Persons Group, made up of Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Sir Puka Temu, and Mr Bart Philemon, could not arrive at a resolution despite the time and dedication they gave to the task.

“The NEC appointed them to undertake this important task because we wanted a resolution that would not involve costly and time consuming legal proceedings. “However their efforts have not been successful because of reluctance and negative attitude of Sir Mekere and PNGSDP,” said Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill. “In light of this development, the national Government has moved quickly and firmly to protect the interests of the State and the people of the Western Province.

“The original decisions by the national Government with regard to PNGSDP, which has been challenged in Singapore, enjoy the overwhelming support of the national Parliament, the people of the Western Province, and I believe, the nation. The behaviour of the former chairman and management of PNGSDP is against the national interest above all and we have now moved decisively to uphold the national interest, and that of the people of the Fly River and the Western province.” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill thanked Sir Rabbie, himself a former prime minister, Sir Puka and Mr Philemon, a former finance minister, for their hard work and their dedication.