Papua New Guinea's most senior ministers, Marape and Polye called in for questioning

Post Courier, 17th January, 2014

Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner Commissioner Tom Kulunga has asked Finance Minister James Marape and Treasurer Don Polye to go in for interviews over their alleged roles in legal fee payments to the firm Paul Paraka Lawyers.

 Marape (left) and Polye (right)

Mr Marape is expected to attend the interview today (Friday) while Minister Polye will go in on Monday.
This development comes on the back of a statement by Investigative Task Force Sweep (ITFS) chairman Sam Koim, who said the team concluded from its professional judgment and assessment, that they cannot pursue the Prime Minister’s alleged involvement in the payment.

The statement triggered the ire of Opposition Leader Hon Belden Namah, who said the Investigative Task Force Sweep chairman was acting outside his jurisdiction and his group was not a "competent authority", like the Royal PNG Constabulary or a court of law. The investigation results on PM did not go well with the Opposition Leader.

A properly constituted court of law is the only tribunal of fact which can determine on evidence and in accordance with law whether Mr O’Neill wrote the directive letter of January 24, 2012 or not,’’ he said.

Mr Marape confirmed that he had been invited by the constabulary to go in for an interview today when contacted by the Post-Courier yesterday, saying he would co-operate with the investigations into his alleged role in the payments. "I have been invited by the police for an interview.

"I will go to the police and present myself. I have co-operated with police on the same issue previously.

Post Courier, 17th January, 2014