Akop makes history in a first for our women

MARLEEN Toliman Akop has become the first woman to be appointed the Second Legislative Counsel in the country, and says she is honoured to be elevated to such a post.
“I am the first female to be the country’s Second Legislative Counsel,” Akop said.
She signed her contract at Government House in Port Moresby yesterday.
Akop said she had been acting in the position since 2016 when the National Executive Council appointed her.
“I am very proud to be a public servant to serve the people and translate policies into laws,” she said.
“I am very happy that my role now is at a higher level and the level of responsibly as well.
“So I have a lot of challenges to face to ensure that I am drafting good laws and translating polices into laws for good governance.”
Akop’s role is to draft bills before they are tabled in Parliament.
“That’s where we write laws,” she said. “That’s my role as the Second Legislative Counsel.”
She has been in the office of the legislative counsel since 2008.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki and Deputy Chief Censor Jim Abaini also signed their contracts.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and Personnel Management Deputy Secretary Taies Sansan.