Pue seeks review of appointment

UNIVERSITY of Natural Resource and Environment (UNRE) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Isaac Pue has sought leave of court to file a judicial review against his revocation.
Pue, through his lawyer Edward Sasingian, made the application before acting Judge Emma Wurr at Waigani National Court yesterday, saying he had standing as the VC to review Higher Education Minister Wesley Raminai’s decision as it was made under a wrong legislation.
“Raminai as the Higher Education Minister, has no authority under the Higher Education Amendment Act 2020 to permanently revoke and appoint a person in such position,” he said.
He said Raminai under the Act, was only to temporarily revoke or suspend positions until the council decide the reappointment and revocation.
“Although he made reference to his power under Higher Education Act 2014 to make the decision, the new provision replaced that Act,” he said.
Sasingian said Raminai’s decision on revoking Pue and appointing Dr Moik Komolong as the UNRE VC was published in the national gazette on Feb 14 and the application was filed on Feb 21 which was a prompt approach within a reasonable time.
He said that UNRE Chancellor Prof Kenneth Sumbuk, through an affidavit, stated that the interim board had made a decision in a meeting last year for Pue to remain as VC until further instructions.
State’s lawyer Kevin Kipongi argued that Raminai’s decision was based on the principle Higher Education Act 2014 which was the correct legislation.
The matter will return to court on July 22 for the decision.