Former PM claims he did nothing wrong

FORMER Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has told court that his reputation has been tarnished just because of a letter he wrote to Treasury acting secretary Diari Vele to identify funds to buy two generators from Israel to address power issues in the country.
O’Neill is standing trial over allegation that K50 million paid to an Israeli company, LR Group Ltd, to buy the generators when the purported contract of sale did not exist and without proper approval.
It is claimed that the money he directed Vele to identify to purchase the generators was not disclosed when proper contract of sale and approval was given by the cabinet to purchase the two generators for K94 million.
“Your honour, the letter I had written and accused of many things, including conspiracy and misappropriation, when all I wanted to do was try to provide cheap and reliable power to our people” he said.
“I have followed the process to which I am responsible – the National Executive Council and parliament”.
“On the basis of those, I have communicated with Government agencies to facilitate the building of capacity of PNG Power.
“Because of this, I have been accused and my reputation has been tarnished not only as a leader.
“I have been a leader for over 20 years, I have been elected to parliament consistently with very solid majority without any disputes from my competitors.
“This has certainly tarnished my reputation, and, of course, my reputation among my peers globally.
“So I take this responsibility very seriously.”