SUPREME COURT ORDER IS SPECIFIC

Today, the Supreme Court issued an order in relation to the Opposition's Supreme Court Challenge regarding the rejection of the 27 Nov 2024 motion of VONC by the Private Business Committee.

The decision can be easily contested whether it breaches the Constitution on the separation of powers between the Judiciary, Legislature and the Executive Government. 

However, the Government honoured the ruling and will comply in the true spirit of democracy and comply as ordered.

So what is the status of the  matter and how will the order be executed by the Speaker?

In summary the court orders that Parliament is recalled on the 8th April 2025 to deal with the particular VONC motion that was filled by the Opposition and introduced to the Private Business Committee which was then rejected by the PBC' so did the Parliament. 

This Supreme Court ruling renders that specific VONC motion live, hence it must be dealt with by Parliament.

In the motion, the alternate PM nominee is Sir Peter Ipatas. So the contest is now between Prime Minister James Marape and Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas.

The order is for the  Speaker to entertain the specific 27th November 2024 VONC motion, which that fearures Marape 'vs' Ipatas. Any alteration or deviation outside of this order will be in contempt of the Supreme Court order.

So Mr James Nomane can finish his job by supporting GC Sir Peter Ipatas with the required number to topple PMJM.

Bring it on. PANGU STAP!

Analysis: Jemes Marape Clings to Power Despite the Facts Sends the Opposite Message

"I will not step down", and that's the strong message from PNG Prime Minister James Marape.

This isn’t a new script for PNG. Marape, in power since 2019 and re-elected in 2022, was once the fresh face promising stability. Now, critics say he’s floundering. 

Armed gangs roam the Highlands unchecked, leaving citizens scared and Simbu Province MP James Nomane warning of a “failed state” on the horizon. 

Economically, delays in the Papua LNG project—a potential game-changer—have tongues wagging about mismanagement. 

Then there’s the old baggage: as ex-Finance Minister, Marape’s tied to murky payments that still haunt his reputation.

The opposition smells blood, and they’re not alone. Students and online voices are amplifying the outrage, turning up the volume on a public fed up with broken promises. Marape’s response? It’s all a political hit job. He’s betting on PNG’s Constitution to keep him in the driver’s seat, arguing only Parliament—not protests—can call the shots.

In PNG’s parliamentary system, ousting a PM isn’t a free-for-all. Marape could quit, handing his resignation to the Governor-General and kicking off a scramble for a new leader among MPs. 

He’s made it clear he’s not walking away. Behind closed doors, his Pangu Party and coalition partners hold the real keys. If they waver, he’s toast, VoNC or not. For now, he’s banking on loyalty and the opposition’s shaky math to ride this out.

A resignation could unleash a free-for-all, stalling everything from LNG deals to the NRL bid. And if public pressure alone topples him, it might set a dicey precedent for a country that leans hard on its parliamentary guardrails.

Marape’s at a crossroads. The resignation calls aren’t just noise—they’re a symptom of a nation on edge. He’s got the law on his side, but the law doesn’t quiet crowds or fix a broken system. 

Whether he’s forced out by a VoNC or clings on through sheer grit, the real test isn’t just survival—it’s whether he can prove he’s still the guy for the job. Right now, the jury’s out, and PNG’s watching.

With William Stevens 🇵🇬, the visionary artist behind Papua New Guinea’s iconic Banknotes

With William Stevens 🇵🇬, the visionary artist behind Papua New Guinea’s iconic K2, K5, K10, and later K20 banknotes. In 1973, at just 16 years old and a budding graphic arts student at Goroka Technical School, he was handpicked by an Australian government team and sent to Fitzroy, Victoria. 

There, he spent a transformative year designing the notes for PNG’s new currency, which became legal tender in 1975 as the nation stepped boldly into independence. 🌟✍️💪

Now at 68, William Stevens remains a testament to youthful brilliance and dedication. As the Kina 🇵🇬 marks its 50th anniversary next month and PNG celebrates its own milestone in September, his story reminds us that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places. 

Yet, despite his incredible contribution, he has never been properly acknowledged or compensated for his work. 💔🤝

Let’s celebrate and honour the legacy of William Stevens 🇵🇬 – a true artist who helped shape the identity of our nation. His journey is proof that talent knows no age, and that creativity has the power to leave a lasting mark on history. 🌺✨📜 #PNG 🇵🇬 #Inspiration #WilliamStevens #Kina50

MARAPE TO PURSUE CASE AGAINST POST COURIER, WILL NOT STEP DOWN AS PRIME MINISTER

Press Release 

Friday, 28 March 2025

Prime Minister James Marape has indicated that his legal team will pursue a case against local newspaper Post Courier over its reports on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025.

The paper had the headline "Paraka Payment 'Scam'" , where Member for Sinasina Yonggomugl and Opposition strongman, Kerenga Kua, testified in court that Marape, who was then Finance Minister, pressured staff in the department to make payments to Paraka Lawyers.

The revelation to sue Post Courier was made today by the Prime Minister after returning from an official visit to New Zealand.

There were other inferences also made on the newspapers front page story which has raised concerns.

Marape is considering to file complaints that the matter before the court was being used by Post Courier to conduct media trial and stirring unnecessary insinuations.

He says this amounted to contempt of court.

The Prime Minister has also made it clear that he will not step down or resign from the office as per calls peddled on social media.

PM Marape reaffirms govt commitment to transparency with special audit into Connect PNG

17 March 2025

MEDIA STATEMENT 

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance by announcing the launch of a special audit into the Connect PNG Infrastructure Programme.

This high-level audit, led by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in partnership with Norths Projects Ltd, an internationally recognized engineering firm, will comprehensively assess the entire Connect PNG Programme following allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

The audit aims to provide an independent and professional review of the programme’s financial integrity and performance, ensuring that Connect PNG effectively fulfills its mandate of linking the country through modern road networks.

 “Our government has always upheld high standards of transparency. We do not tolerate impropriety or corruption in our systems. In light of widespread concerns, including last year’s allegations branding Connect PNG as a corrupt scheme, we are committed to conducting a full audit of the programme,” stated Prime Minister Marape.

To this end, the Prime Minister emphasized the engagement of Deloitte, one of the world’s leading accounting firms, alongside a reputable engineering firm, to conduct a thorough assessment of Connect PNG.

 “Their review will not only verify the integrity of the programme but also ensure that every kina is spent appropriately and that roads are constructed to proper engineering standards,” he added.

The special audit commenced in February 2025 and will involve physical inspections of Phase One projects across eight provinces, marking the first comprehensive review of the programme since its inception.

To enhance the audit process, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) will provide security and logistical support, ensuring a fair and effective assessment.

The audit will determine whether any financial irregularities have occurred. If so, those responsible will face legal consequences; meanwhile, individuals wrongly accused will have the opportunity to clear their names.

 “If there has been any mismanagement, corruption, or unethical conduct, those responsible will be prosecuted. Conversely, if these allegations are found to be baseless, those falsely accused will be able to seek legal redress for any reputational damage,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed.

Emphasizing the importance of the Connect PNG programme, the Prime Minister noted its critical role in providing essential road networks to all parts of the country—a mission that must not be undermined by corruption or inefficiency.

 “For too long, PNG has remained disconnected, with large areas still inaccessible by road, even after nearly 50 years of independence. Connect PNG seeks to change this reality and ensure that our growing population and economy have the necessary infrastructure for long-term sustainability,” he said.

Additionally, Prime Minister Marape revealed that his government is developing a new policy to expand independent auditing across all government agencies. Moving forward, any department or agency facing allegations of mismanagement will undergo an independent review by leading global accounting firms, including Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young, and KPMG.

 “We are committed to ensuring full transparency in government finances. These firms will be granted full access to government records, working alongside the Auditor General’s Office to provide independent and credible assessments of all key agencies and departments,” PM Marape stated.

He commended Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and his team for their efforts in ensuring that the Connect PNG audit proceeds with integrity and professionalism.

“We have nothing to hide, and this process will instill public confidence that we are serious about accountability. We want to ensure that every kina spent is accounted for and that PNG’s infrastructure projects are built to last, serving the nation for generations to come,” he concluded.

Hong Kong’s second-richest billionaire Lee Shau Kee revealed the burdens of extreme wealth

By Hai Trieu, Tue 3/18/2025, 08:35 pm (PT)

Lee Shau Kee, Hong Kong’s second richest billionaire, once shared in his biography that extreme wealth had brought him many troubles.

Lee, who passed away on Monday at age 97, said in his biography published years ago that being rich is generally a good thing, according to Hong Kong-based magazine Ming Pao Weekly.

"Poverty is truly worrisome and difficult. Imagine not having enough food, no warm clothes, and not knowing when you should sleep. How could you feel comfortable? How could you achieve your goals? On top of that, occasional illness is like having a leaking roof on a rainy night, truly miserable," he said.

However, he noted that simply being rich is different from having extreme wealth, which comes with many pitfalls.

The tycoon said he often received letters from around the world seeking donations for various causes.

"After reading these letters, I feel very uneasy because I feel bad if I do not help them. But if I want to help, I do not know whether they are genuine or not," he said, remarking that countless people worldwide need help. "The more suffering I witness, the more ashamed I feel.

He added: "Moreover, once you become a billionaire, you inevitably become a public figure and live in a goldfish bowl, and you lose many opportunities for freedom and independence.

"Furthermore, once you have a lot of money, circumstances will force you to work tirelessly to protect your wealth. It is not that you 'use' money, but rather that money 'uses' you. Enduring physical exhaustion and endless mental anxiety is not a pleasant feeling."

He claimed: "Those who are neither poor nor rich are the luckiest and can truly enjoy themselves."

Lee is known for his extensive philanthropic legacy, with a focus on education.

He was nicknamed "Uncle Four" as he was born in 1928 as the fourth child in a merchant family from southern China’s Guangdong province, as reported by Forbes.

At age six, he began helping with his father’s business, which dealt in gold, silver, and currency exchange. Skilled in mental arithmetic from a young age, he had learned gold inspection, smelting, and refining by 12.

At 20, he left for Hong Kong with HK$1,000 (US$128) he had saved from years of working in the family business.

Within less than a year, he had earned enough money to send back home to support his family and ventured into the hardware industry and import-export trade.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Lee recognized the potential for growth in the real estate sector, so he partnered with a few friends to found Sun Hung Kai Properties.

As its vice chairman and managing director, he was responsible for site planning, land acquisition, and property sales. He also collaborated with banks to introduce installment payment options, making homeownership more accessible to the public.

He later left the firm in 1973 and established his flagship company, Henderson Land Development, in 1976.

Lee was the richest person in Asia in 1996 and 1997 and the fourth wealthiest in the world in 1996. He was also known by other nicknames such as "Asia’s god of stocks" and "Hong Kong’s Warren Buffett."

He is survived by two sons, Peter and Martin Lee, who now jointly run his Henderson empire, and three daughters.

According to Forbes' February rankings, Lee was the second-richest person in Hong Kong. His net worth was estimated at US$30 billion before his death.

Opening Statement by ABG President at the Joint Consultation Moderator Meeting

Sir Jerry Mateparae, Distinguished Moderator, the Honourable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Foreign Missions, distinguished dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen. 

First I would like to thank you Sir Jerry for this most unique opportunity to present our case in this very historical meeting. It is a historical event because you are here on our invitation to broker this dialogue. It is particularly significant as this is very much, the last leg of our journey. 

Secondly, I welcome the presence of representatives of the international community especially the friends of Bougainville who stood behind us to bring about a truce and ceasefire and to pave the way for negotiations. 

Many of us present here today have personal experience of those negotiations up to and including the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. 

I thank the National Government for inviting the signatories to the Peace Agreement to witness the opening ceremony of this moderation. As one of the key negotiators in those days, I still remember, we never argued to implement our part of the bargain, and I still remember I had to meet the BPA commitments as my part of the bargain. And in the same spirit, Honorable Prime Minister, I now expect your Government to take ownership and endorse independence in this 11th parliament. 

Prime Minister, I appeal to you to take the Bougainville referendum results and pass it to the National Minister for Bougainville Affairs to present to the National Parliament for endorsement through this moderation process in the same manner the National Constitution was amended to give effect to the Bougainville Peace Agreement. 

By this action of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea, to amend the Constitution in 2001, PNG was probably the first independent state anywhere to have accorded the UN Charter right and principle of self-determination of peoples to its own people under its domestic laws and regulations. 

We recognize that the sessional order is a process that will happen in the national parliament and while we appreciate the engagement in this particular subject, it has diverted our attention from the core agenda of the political settlement on independence. The referendum Independence result must be endorsed. In the spirit of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the two governments can jointly decide as part of the consultations to reach agreement on a bilateral relationship for independence for Bougainville outside of parliament. 

Bougainville’s agenda is independence and in our post-referendum consultations we have made this clear, resulting in joint agreements such as the Wabag roadmap and the Era Kone Covenant. Therefore, it is my expectation that the moderation process will have to address the Bougainville independence issue. 

I thank the signatory countries that witnessed the Peace Agreement, for your commitment. I trust that as the witnesses to the BPA, you will respect the Bougainville people’s democratic choice for Independence, decided through a constitutionally granted referendum for independence. I am aware that some countries are already implicated in pushing their neo-colonial interests in Bougainville and I ask that you refrain from interfering. 

Sir Jerry, my people have set 1st September 2027, as the date for independence to take effect. This decision is consistent with the jointly agreed Referendum Results Implementation Roadmap, commonly known as the ‘Wabag Roadmap’, that set the window of ‘no earlier than 2025, no later than 2027’, for the declaration of independence. As President, I will uphold the decision of my people throughout these moderation consultations. 

I look forward that this moderation process will conclude with an agreement on the independence package for Bougainville. 

The Bougainville Peace Agreement is a political settlement that has three pillars; Weapons Disposal, Autonomy and Referendum. Out of the three pillars, the Referendum pillar was the key pillar that held the commitment of all Bougainvilleans to the peace process, by guaranteeing in the National Constitution, a choice of separate independence for Bougainville. 

The definition of independence was defined by the Government of PNG as, ‘An independent nation state with sovereign powers and laws, recognized under international law and by other sovereign states to be an independent state, separate from the State of Papua New Guinea.’ The people voted for independence and to propose any other option in this moderation is detrimental to the peace process.  

We all know Papua New Guinea is going to celebrate its 50 years independence anniversary. In the case of Bougainville, this marks more than 50 years of struggle for independence within Papua New Guinea. It is important to remember that Bougainville leaders have lobbied for Bougainville’s Independence well before PNG’s Independence without any recognition from international bodies.  

In conclusion, Mr Moderator, as far as I am concerned, the process of negotiating independence was concluded with the referendum. My understanding is that this moderation is about reaching agreement on implementing the referendum result of independence. Therefore, my focus in this moderation is to define the new relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as two independent sovereign states. This relationship can be captured through an independence package for Bougainville. 

Bougainville has done its part in this peace process. It is now your turn. 

May God continue to bless Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. 

His Excellency Hon. Ishmael Toroama, MHR 

President

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/opening-statement-by-abg-president-at-the-joint-consultation-moderator-meeting