Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, MP, has demanded that independence and respect be restored to the National Honours and Awards Council which the Marape government is now being exposed, attempting to rort awards for political gain.
“The Prime Minister has been forced to admit publicly that the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list has been put on hold indefinitely. This is after the list was politicised with illegitimate awards for many politicians allegedly including himself,” the Leader of the Opposition said.
“The truth is that the Papua New Guinea Honours and Awards system has been torn apart by James Marape and Isaac Lupari for the sole purpose of giving out awards as prizes and favours to political cronies.
“The Marape government removed and replaced the entire National Honours and Awards Council in August last year and has moved the awards process directly under the control of James Marape and Isaac Lupari, who still remains in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“These changes go against the spirit of the specified provisions of the Constitution and the designated Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, and are an abuse of political power.
“Our Nation’s Honours and Awards System was established at Independence to process awards under the Imperial Honours System and expanded by Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare to include our own Honours system, The Orders of Papua New Guinea, on 3rd August 2005.
“This system was established between the Government and Her Majesty the Queen, so that in Papua New Guinea we can have both our truly unique National honours, alongside the established Imperial Awards.
“It was agreed between our Government and the Palace that all of these honours and awards would be professionally administered and free of political and bureaucratic interference.”
Mr. Namah said the Papua New Guinea Honours System is in place to recognise the men and women who make outstanding contributions and achievements to our people and the country and this system is not to be abused by political corruption.
“In order for our Honours system to remain neutral, its secretariat must be accommodated at Government House, not under the control of Marape and Lupari.
“When the government sacked the entire Honours Council in contravention of the specified provisions of the Regulation of The Orders of Papua New Guinea, this government removed the decades of experience that is essential for properly vetting award nominations.
“This continuity of leadership and administration in the National Honours and Awards Council is essential to ensure the system continues to evolve, and that our awards are both recognised and respected in PNG and around the world.
“The illegal list that Marape had tried to force through on the 01st of January this year would have no legal standing in PNG or around the world. It would have been a rebuke to every proud and hardworking Papua New Guinean who had legitimately received honours and awards in the past.
“Marape is attempting a smoke screen blaming the problem on the Council for not meeting as required to consider the List, but the real problem is his own political opportunism which is to control the process by undermining the independent role of the Council.
“There are other rules that Marape and Lupari do not understand. Rules such as; the incumbent Prime Minister cannot be awarded in any Honours List whilst in office.”
“GOD SAVE OUR COUNTRY”