Maipakai queries the use of Public funds by Politicians to defend cases against them

PORT MORESBY: Kikori MP Mark Maipakai has queried the logic behind politicians, using public resources to defend cases initiated against them by the state.

Mr Maipakai raised the question, following the Attorney General Ano Pala denied the request by the police officers from the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption directorate for legal representation.

“When I was implicated on allegations of corruption, I used my own funds to defend the case against me by the state.

“What is the logic here in the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his ministers using State’s resources to defend case initiated against them by the State?” he told a media conference today (Wednesday).

He also asked why they were using public funds when the state was suing them.

He said politics in the country lacked moral and ethical values, adding the values should take precedence over personal reasons.

Maipakai added that ethics should complement well with the Constitution and other laws for a better society in PNG.

“In Australia a bottle of wine given to a politician as an incentive by a contractor has cost him his seat.

“Why is it not happening here?” he asked.

The shadow minister for Finance said the country’s corruption index would be improved when the moral and ethical values are given prominence by fellow MPs.

“So long as those who have criminal records are allowed to contest the General Election, the corruption continues to flourish,” he said.

Mr Maipakai has reiterated his call on the Electoral Commission to do diligent or character checks on the candidates who wish to contest seats in the country.