PNG PM Marape hits back at slush fund accusations

 Prime Minister James Marape has strongly denied claims that his office controls secret slush funds, describing the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.

The denial came hours after East Sepik Governor Allan Bird raised concerns about funding arrangements. Mr Marape, who had earlier been in West New Britain launching the Bamus to Noahu Road project under the Connect PNG initiative, issued a detailed statement to set the record straight.

PNG PM Marape hits back at slush fund accusations/Photo supplied

He stressed that all government money is allocated through parliamentary approval and follows strict legal channels, with oversight from Treasury, Finance and the Auditor-General.

“The people of Papua New Guinea deserve facts, not politically-driven narratives designed to create suspicion and division,” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister explained that contingency funds, development grants and district support are all lawful appropriations passed by Parliament to keep government running, respond to emergencies and deliver services. No leader, he added, can touch public funds outside these approved processes.

He made it clear the Prime Minister holds no personal power to direct or spend these allocations at will, as they remain under standard public finance rules managed through the Budget Management Committee.

Mr Marape noted these same funding mechanisms have operated under previous governments as part of routine state business. He reaffirmed his commitment to equitable resource distribution across all provinces, including East Sepik.

“We have continued supporting East Sepik and every province regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

The Prime Minister called on leaders to handle differences through proper debate instead of undermining trust in national institutions.