PNG Police Commissioner Manning Welcomes Review of his Appointment
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Commissioner for Police, David Manning welcomes the Judicial Review of the Appointment of the Police Commissioner.
On May 14, 2020, the National Court granted leave to the former Assistant Police Commissioner (Human Resource) Sylvester Kalaut, and the former Acting Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Fred Yakasa’s joint application to review the National Executive Council decision on December 6, 2019, appointing Manning as the Commissioner for Police.
Kalaut and Yakasa were both shortlisted for the position. They both argued that the Public Service Commission failed to conduct a valid merit-based appointment of the three shortlisted applicants submitted to the NEC which included Manning.
They claimed that Manning did not meet the minimum requirements of having a tertiary qualification, that he was not free of any outstanding investigation and disciplinary proceedings and lastly the apprehension of bias by Minister for Police, Bryan Kramer towards his appointment.
Manning said following his appointment the State Solicitor formed the view that after consideration of the Constitution, the Police Act and relevant laws pertaining to the appointment of the Commissioner for Police, it was different to the appointment of Department Heads.
The appointment process for the Office of the Commissioner for Police is subject to Section 193(2) of the Constitution, and not Section 193(3), which provides for appointment of Department Heads which warrant the application of Public Service Minimum Persons Specification and Competency requirements for selection.
Public Service Commission filed evidence the Commission diligently and thoroughly followed the merit based appointment and accordingly made its recommendations.
Solicitor General appeared on behalf of the State and NEC and opposed Kalaut and Yakasa’s application as being incompetent.
After hearing arguments, the Court granted leave to Kalaut and Yakasa to review Manning’s appointment as Commissioner for Police.
“I welcome the ruling of the National Court to review the decision concerning my
appointment. I note Kalaut and Yakasa are relying on recent allegations on social media that are baseless and frivolous and look forward to the Court confirming the same” Manning said.
He said in the 136 year long history of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (established in 1800’s), there has only been one Commissioner who possessed a tertiary qualification.
“For now, it’s business as usual for the Police Force. The Marape-Steven Government appointed me to carry-out major reform, including addressing ill-discipline and corrupt practices within the force. The court challenge will not deter me from performing my duties,” Manning concluded.
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On May 14, 2020, the National Court granted leave to the former Assistant Police Commissioner (Human Resource) Sylvester Kalaut, and the former Acting Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Fred Yakasa’s joint application to review the National Executive Council decision on December 6, 2019, appointing Manning as the Commissioner for Police.
Kalaut and Yakasa were both shortlisted for the position. They both argued that the Public Service Commission failed to conduct a valid merit-based appointment of the three shortlisted applicants submitted to the NEC which included Manning.
They claimed that Manning did not meet the minimum requirements of having a tertiary qualification, that he was not free of any outstanding investigation and disciplinary proceedings and lastly the apprehension of bias by Minister for Police, Bryan Kramer towards his appointment.
Manning said following his appointment the State Solicitor formed the view that after consideration of the Constitution, the Police Act and relevant laws pertaining to the appointment of the Commissioner for Police, it was different to the appointment of Department Heads.
The appointment process for the Office of the Commissioner for Police is subject to Section 193(2) of the Constitution, and not Section 193(3), which provides for appointment of Department Heads which warrant the application of Public Service Minimum Persons Specification and Competency requirements for selection.
Public Service Commission filed evidence the Commission diligently and thoroughly followed the merit based appointment and accordingly made its recommendations.
Solicitor General appeared on behalf of the State and NEC and opposed Kalaut and Yakasa’s application as being incompetent.
After hearing arguments, the Court granted leave to Kalaut and Yakasa to review Manning’s appointment as Commissioner for Police.
“I welcome the ruling of the National Court to review the decision concerning my
appointment. I note Kalaut and Yakasa are relying on recent allegations on social media that are baseless and frivolous and look forward to the Court confirming the same” Manning said.
He said in the 136 year long history of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (established in 1800’s), there has only been one Commissioner who possessed a tertiary qualification.
“For now, it’s business as usual for the Police Force. The Marape-Steven Government appointed me to carry-out major reform, including addressing ill-discipline and corrupt practices within the force. The court challenge will not deter me from performing my duties,” Manning concluded.
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