PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) — Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is out of touch and has lost grip of managing well the affairs of Papua New Guinea, says deputy opposition leader Byron Chan.
Chan said this is indicated by government indecision and controversies which have raised serious legal, constitutional, ethical and moral issues.
He said the recent statement by opposition leader Peter O’Neill that the government is losing control and trade union’s calls for the prime minister’s resignation should be taken seriously in the light of events of very serious nature including the controversial Moti affair.
He said the clandestine escape of Julian Moti, the appointment of the Defense Force Board of Inquiry and subsequent events including the legal challenges have left a lot to be desired of the current political leadership.
“The allegations raised in the inquiry hearing are very serious. It is only right for Sir Michael to step aside and allow the process to be completed without any influence,” Chan said.
“He has made a mockery of the whole affairs by intervening to disband the inquiry, sacking the defense minister and rushing the completion of the inquiry findings. It’s a direct interference to the judicial process and a spit in the face on the integrity of the whole judicial process,” the deputy opposition leader said.
“It’s totally ridiculous to talk about accountability, transparent and good governance when we, who are vested with powers to be custodians of the laws of PNG, act to the contrary,” he said.