Nomane Blasts Daki, Questions Marape's Silence on PNG SME Funds

Nomane Blasts Daki, Questions Marape's Silence on PNG SME Funds

 Papua New Guinea Opposition Leader James Nomane has intensified pressure on the Government over allegations surrounding K200 million in SME funding, accusing Commerce and Industry Minister Win Daki of failing to address serious concerns while questioning Prime Minister James Marape's continued silence on the matter.

The Chuave MP said the Government must move swiftly to ensure an independent investigation is conducted, arguing that public confidence will only be restored if allegations involving public funds are dealt with transparently and without political interference.

Mr Nomane criticised Minister Daki for dismissing claims linked to an analysis alleging irregularities involving K44 million in SME funding, describing the minister's response as dismissive and lacking accountability.

He urged Mr Daki to follow the example of former Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph by stepping aside to allow investigators to examine the allegations independently.

According to Mr Nomane, the SME program was created to empower Papua New Guineans through business development and economic participation, but the allegations have instead cast doubt over the management of the funds.

He also directed criticism at Prime Minister Marape, claiming the Government's failure to act has disappointed many Papua New Guineans who are seeking answers over the reported missing millions.

Mr Nomane said the Opposition had fulfilled its responsibility by raising the matter publicly and insisted it was now the Government's responsibility to ensure a full investigation takes place.

He further argued that the Department of Commerce and Industry had failed to achieve its objective of strengthening the private sector and creating opportunities for ordinary citizens.

The Opposition is now calling for Minister Daki to be removed from his portfolio while investigations are conducted, saying such a move would help safeguard the integrity of the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Minister Daki has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining in recent public statements that allegations circulating online are misleading and politically motivated.

"Our SME program meant to lift ordinary citizens out of poverty is being looted before our eyes," Mr Nomane said.

"We are derailed by a series of failures, repeated leadership without discipline, power without accountability.

"Minister Win Daki's conduct is the clearest symptom of this. A minister entrusted with public money to deliver on policy for national development has shown no empathy, no equity and achieved nil equality."

"The opposition has done its duty, we exposed it. Now the government must do its duty, investigate fully, act decisively, prove by conduct and not claim that Papua New Guinea is a nation of laws, not a kleptocracy." Nomane said.