CHIEF Justice and acting Governor-General Sir Mari Kapi has called for improved pension for judges in PNG.
Speaking at the memorial service for Justice Moses Jalina in Port Moresby last Friday, Sir Mari said that spouses of judges had been behind all good judges and it was time to give praise to them and “not just lip service”.
Sir Mari said the family of late Justice Tomarum Konilio, who collapsed and died while on duty, was left with nothing.
Justice Konilio and Justice Jalina died under similar circumstances, Justice Konilio was on his way to Jackson Airport for duty travel to Alotau when he collapsed and died. Justice Jalina was on his way back to Wabag and collapsed and died at Kagamuga Airport in Western Highlands.
“Now Kessie (late Justice Jalina’s wife) and the children will be looked after by the Pension Act,” Sir Mari said.
He said the pension was not adequate, the Judiciary would be proposing for other benefits to be included in their pension including tax exemption.
Sir Mari said the Judiciary would also be pushing through the Salaries, Remuneration Committee (SRC) for medical insurance as well for the families of judges.
The funeral service was attended by more than 200 family members, relatives and MPs including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Dr Puka Temu, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat, Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Sam Abal, former chief justice and Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet, former Usino Bundi MP Peter Yama, former judges Sir Kubulan Los and Don Sawong, Deputy Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, other judges, their families and members of the Judiciary.
Sir Mari said late Justice Jalina was very dedicated to his work and whenever judges were needed to be sent out to provinces, Justice Jalina was the first to put his hand up.
“He was always ready to face challenges. Wabag was one of the difficult places to go and Moses put his hand up to go to Wabag.”
Sir Mari said Justice Jalina was full of humour and was always smiling.
The Chief Justice said every time he wanted to discuss weighty or controversial matters he found peace discussing these with late Justice Jalina although both could have contradicting views.