Former PNG Power Limited Chairman McRonald Nale is seeking a judicial review of his removal from office on August 14th. Nale has filed a lawsuit naming State Enterprises Minister William Duma and others. The National Court in Waigani, presided by Justice Susan Purdon-Sally, heard the case today, September 3rd. While Nale’s counsel was ready to proceed with an application leave to apply for judicial review, the State requested more time to prepare, with the hearing rescheduled for September 5th. Nale's removal by the government led to the appointment of board director Malcolm Lewis as the new chairman. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape had justified the decision, citing the need for new leadership to address the persistent power issues in Lae and Port Moresby. Marape expressed frustration over ongoing blackouts despite significant government investment in PNG Power, amounting to over K300 million in the last three years. “McRonald Nale had his opportunity, but we need new leadership at the board level,” Marape reportedly stated in a press conference on August 15th in Port Moresby. He emphasized Lewis' task of auditing the utility company’s financials and resolving grid problems urgently. Marape  had further expressed confidence in Lewis’ capabilities, describing him as a "no-nonsense" leader who will run PNG Power like a business while fulfilling its community obligations. Nale was appointed chairman in May 2023, along with Lewis and other directors. His legal counsel expressed concern over the urgency of the judicial review, noting the possibility of a permanent appointment to his former position, but Justice Purdon-Sally dismissed the urgency, stating that the matter could be heard a few days later without any prejudice to Nale. The court will reconvene on September 5th for further proceedings, by which time the State would have filed and served its submissions by 4pm a day before.