Marape: Firms were paid

 FINANCE Minister James Marape has confirmed that payments were made to three legal firms for outstanding fees incurred during the political impasse in 2011.

He said he had been aware of payments to Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers, Steeles Lawyers and Thomas & Co Lawyers.

He said the payments were in order because the law firms had been formally engaged on the instructions of the then Attorney-General Sir Arnold Amet.

“These three firms were formally engaged by the state on official instructions by the attorney-general at that time (Sir Arnold),” Marape said.

“They provided services to the government and the state and had to be paid. It was in order. 

“The Finance Department is the State’s paying office and as long as payments are legitimate and within budget, the department will undertake its task to clear outstanding arrears in a responsible manner.

“Only part-payments have been made to these firms with the balance to be settled when funds become available.”

Marape also urged the media not to misrepresent and make erroneous conclusions, especially in relation to the law firms linked to two government ministers.

“The two ministers are well-established prominent lawyers who were partners in their respective law firms well before they were elected into parliament and became ministers,” he said.

“It would be wrong and irresponsible to imply that they influenced payments to their law firms. Their bills were incurred and had been outstanding well before they became members of parliament and ministers of state.”

Marape said records of those payments were deliberately leaked to the media to discredit and undermine the Department of Finance and the Government.

“I am concerned about this behaviour. This action of irresponsible elements in the department has seriously undermined the integrity of the department and a lot of the good work and results it is achieving for the government and the country,” he said.

“Public servants are duty-bound to protect state property, including information, and the overall interest of the state whom they had vouched to serve with loyalty and commitment. 

“Information, correspondences and documents that come into their possession in the course of their duties is privileged and confidential and must, therefore, be protected at all times. 

“They should be mindful that information in the wrong hands can be damaging if used irresponsibly.

“I have instructed this matter be investigated thoroughly and those found to have been responsible for this act of sabotage be dealt with under the Public Services (Management) Act, including termination of employment if necessary.”