MRA illegal: Wanjik

OUTGOING Mining Secretary James Wanjik said the Mineral Resources Authority cannot operate lawfully and if it does it will be in breach of Section 209 of the Constitution.
Mr Wanjik was reacting to a statement by the Mining Minister Sam Akoitai this week that the creation of the MRA was this year’s priority.
Mr Wanjik said Mr Akoitai knew MRA cannot operate lawfully.
“It has no authority to do so from the National Parliament. If it does, it will breach of Section 209 of the Constitution,” Mr Wanjik said.
He said the public must question Mr Akoitai’s rush to create MRA during an election year.
“For the minister to continue to sound his MRA gong against overwhelming evidence that MRA is not in the best interest of PNG, particularly so when constitutional provisions and other laws are meddled with, our people should question his motive for such a rush,” Mr Wanjik said.
He criticised the minister for being “arrogant” and disrespecting professional advice and rule of law.
Mr Wanjik said the Department of Mining’s budget for this year was underpinned by its corporate plan and implementation road map.
“It cannot be used to offset or settle staff resignations or retrenchment. These are unbudgeted items,” he said.
Mr Wanjik said it was a common knowledge and a matter of constitutional law that Mr Akotai has no political or statutory responsibility over MRA or the MRA Act 2005.
“His political and statutory responsibility relates to the functions of the Department of Mining,” he said.
 

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