Kramer defends questioning OC’s role

MADANG MP Bryan Kramer says his questioning of the Ombudsman Commission’s role during an induction programme for new MPs in parliament last week was fair.
“To set the record straight, there was no publicity stunt or ambushing of (Chief Ombudsman Richard) Pagen,” Kramer said.
“He was speaking during the parliamentary induction programme and after he completed his presentation, I asked him a series of pertinent questions on improving the role of the Ombudsman Commission.”
Kramer claims that Pagen had alleged that leadership tribunals were largely unsuccessful because the judiciary had “got it wrong”.
“He goes on to discuss the cases of Solan Mirisim and Sir Puka Temu, accusing the judges and members of the tribunal of getting it wrong,” he said.
“However, the reality is that Pagen failed to provide any evidence to support his allegations.”
Kramer said among the queries he raised with Pagen was regarding the number of leadership cases prosecuted during his term that were subsequently dismissed by the Tribunal.
“Following Pagen’s appointment as Chief Ombudsman, he has overseen the referral and prosecution of four leadership cases,” he said.
“Leaders subjected to these proceedings however, have only had their integrity publicly questioned and they and their families endure great stress and anxiety.
“In each case the Tribunal dismissed the OC’s allegations for being without merit. To date, the OC remains completely unaccountable for the stress and reputational damage caused.”
Pagen warned Kramer of a “conflict of interest” as he too was recently referred to a leadership tribunal.