Opp: Prosecute law breakers

THE opposition last week called on relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute any law breakers in the K125 million deal for Kokopo.
Deputy leader of opposition and Lae MP Bart Philemon said, as former treasurer and finance minister, he knew the deal was fishy because of the non-involvement of Department of Treasury and Bank of Papua New Guinea.
“It has now come to light that while there may have been a cabinet decision, signatories to engage and activate the deal by then treasurer Patrick Pruaitch, National Planning Minister Paul Tiesten and Kokopo MP Patrick Tammur were made without appropriate legal advice from government lawyers,” Philemon said.
“Even the prime minister is implicated in the signing of this ill-conceived deal.
“Section 209 (1) of the constitution states explicitly that the raising and expenditure of finance by the national government is subject to the authorisation and control of parliament.
“This means this kind of financing must form part of a national budget or supplementary budget in line with the Appropriation Act.”