THE Opposition has asked Sir Michael Somare to explain why he directed an insolvent company be engaged to perform statutory vessel certification, ship safety and survey services on behalf of National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).
Opposition Leader Sir Mekere Morauta said the Prime Minister had issued the instruction to the Secretary of Transport in a letter dated April 19, 2007.
He said Sir Michael wrote: “I direct you to immediately get the board (NMSA) to sanction and have this document signed.
“Why did you give this direction to the Secretary of Transport?” Sir Mekere asked Sir Michael during question time.
“Why did you recommend a company that does not qualify under the guidelines set for such work by the International Maritime Organisation, an organisation of which PNG is a member?
“Why did you recommend a company whose majority shareholder is an employee of the chairman of NMSA? Why did you, in May 2007, take shareholding in the company? “
Sir Michael told Sir Mekere to give him a copy of the questions in writing and he would respond in writing.