Marape says loan inquiry can go as far as possible

The National Main Stories

PRIME Minister James Marape has told Parliament that he will not stop the Ombudsman Commission’s report from progressing further, beyond its level of presentation.
Marape was responding to questions by Deputy Opposition Leader and Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat on the expensive Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) loan deal.
“Ombudsman Commission must run an individual file on everyone implicated in the UBS loan saga, including Marape himself, in the name of fairness and justice.
“Those of us who hold public office and we will all go and subscribe what role we played in the Ombudsman Commission report.
“It goes far beyond this. This country has forever been used as rubber stamp by people concurring public policies outside the Government processing systems.
“That’s why the enquiry was set up.”
Marape asked: “What is K28 million against the backdrop of PNG losing K3 billion in the process?
“That money was lost and I apologise to the nation.
“At that time, I was quite an advocate for the procurement.
“The story concurring was so glamorous,” he said.
Marape said the enquiry would establish if those proponents for the UBS transaction came to the table with clean hands.
“I can’t give you total information on what I will present at the inquiry.
“I have my details.
“I am also implicated by UBS report; I am willing to testify what role I played in the context of the greater scheme of things.
“And what caused PNG citizens to lose K3 billion that is to pay a way to Papua LNG today,” he said.
Commenting on the question of an expensive COI, Marape explained that the K28 million was not for chairman Sir Salamo Injia alone.
“We want to recruit the best forensic auditors, the best investigators in Australia, Singapore and elsewhere to establish whether that transaction was above board.
“There was no PNG beneficiaries, individuals or corporate, there is no conglomerate beneficiaries circumventing the process of Government to their own gain.
“This thing goes beyond what we all see,” he said.
“I sat in the front row of cabinet decisions for a long period of time and I have a fair memory to assist the inquiry never again outside interest use cabinet for the gain at the expense of people of PNG.”

11 comments

  • The God allmighty and all powerful be with you Honorable Prime. Minister. You are the true son of Papua New Guinea

  • PM, JM is son of a Pastor in his family history. When he talks, you can sense that there is something good coming. He express himself as a servant leader to the people of PNG. He’s not commanding, but he’s leading by example.

    Keep up the good work Sir, PM JM.

  • PMJM.. A historical moment for PNG for a very long time.. never ever seen/ heard this type of comment before in PNG Politics..stating you will give your input in this inquiry.. well done.. sail or sink .. whole of PNG is with you We want the truth..

  • In the history of the country, PM JM and his Government is the first real Papua New Guinean to represent its silent majorit. I salute this government for the tremendous job and the country is almost at the crossroads for Development. This is the only way forward for Development of Papua New Guinea. and i congratulate the Government and I love to see it start progressing. This is a true development and credit goes to the Government and the man behind the Hon. PM JM. KEEPING MOVING FOR YOUR COUNTRY – CONGRATULATIONS!

  • Still, K28million sounds like a lot of money.
    Be honest in the first place and you would have saved K3billion + K28million and spent them on developing PNG. This is painful!!!

  • I remember back then the only person that stood against obtaining the UBS loan was Don Polye. The News made headlines then. This enquiry like all other enquiries will not be concluded and be forgotten. Typical of PNG.

  • PMJM i hope your journey is yet to go valleys to walk mountains to climb rivers to cross I know your like state man and at the same time prophet of God your negotiation with both heaven and earth government .God will bless your ministry. Pastor Daniel Lee hela

  • PM I PUT ALL OUR TRUST AND SUPPORT TO CLEAR THOSE MATTERS. PNG WANT THAT

    THANKS VERY MUCH PMJM… LAIKIM YU..

  • When a righteouse people rule Nation rejoice…But when a unrighteouse people rule ,the Nation suffers.
    thanks PM..JM for good leadership for better PNG tomorrow.

  • A honourable Prime Minister and a true son of Papua New Guinea, who definitely has a heart of gold for the welfare of his people.

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