O’Neill queries State funds

The National Main Stories

PEOPLE’S National Congress Party leader Peter O’Neill has questioned the Government on why legal documents on public money supply remain uncertified, “which means that expenditure and new loans remain illegal”.
The Ialibu-Pangia MP and former prime minister said in a statement the government’s “incompetence has serious implications for our people”.
He said more than three week after forcing through the 2020 Supplementary Budget, “these changes appear yet to be certified and updated through official platforms including the National Parliament website”.
He said even the 2020 national budget and related financial legislation approved last December were not certified until May.
“This meant that for the first five months of 2020, the money spent by the Government was illegal,” he said.
“Now with the supplementary budget sitting on the shelf, government departments and statutory bodies are yet to have their allocations formally signed into law.
“Public servants have already been warned that they can once again expect a delay in their next pay.
“And this will continue throughout the year.”
Prime Minister James Marape last night said O’Neill was always rubbishing the economy.
“We are trying to correct the mess he created. If he had left the country’s balance sheet better, we will not be in this economic quagmire. He should be the last man talking,” Marape said.
O’Neill also claimed that international organisations were “refusing to come through with commitments”.
“And (with) the failure of major resources projects and the revenue they would have produced, the Government is running out of options,” he said.
“Funding options are drying up because partners know Marape has no tangible plans to stimulate the economy.”

8 comments

  • O’Neill, just provide your expert advice and work together with the government for the good of this country and it’s people.

    Enough of playing petty politics, because you are part and parcel of the economic mess this country is in.

  • Marape keeps blaming O’Neill for his incompetency. This is childish. O’Neill’s query is plain and straight forward, its what the government responsible should have done for accountability and transparency.

    Marape, you’re a leader, try to be one and stop shifting blames for things that you failed to do.

  • Peter O’Neil should be the last man talking on the state of the economy. He contributed to almost 60% of PNGs debts more than all the other Prime Ministers debt put together.
    PMJM is a true nationalist and is charting a new course for MV PNG despite all the negativity. Its premature to judge PMJM as he never had a full term in office as Prime Minister.

  • Dream on until the cows come home. No more excuses. PO didn’t have to wait for full term. He swung into action as soon as he took over government

  • PO let PMJM complete his term, just leave him alone.Be patient,This is what the Lord said come through.I have seen someone took your chair away but you will gain the seat again at the appointed time and it will come to pass.This is the prophetic massage and believe me.if PMJM does not perform good then help him with the good heart because you are coming back to power.

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