Prime Minister James Marape says the Government will strengthen the role of Permanent Parliamentary Committees to keep check on rural executive government.
He said this in Parliament on Friday (October 14, 2022) when announcing the establishment of two important Permanent Parliamentary Committees to oversee Education and Communications.
Members of the two committees announced by PM Marape were agreed to by Parliament.
North Wahgi MP Benjamin Mul, founder of Waigani Christian College, one of the largest private education institutions in the country, is Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Education.
Other members of the Committee are:
• Deputy Chairman Hon. Simon Kaiwi (Jiwaka Regional);
• Johnson Wapunai (Ambunti-Drekikier);
• Patrick Basa (Kabwum);
• Peter Isoaimo (Kairuku);
• Michael Marum (East New Britain Regional); and
• Anderson Mise (Aitape-Lumi). Wau-Waria
Marsh Narewec, founder of nationally-owned information technology company Kumulsoft, is Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications.
Other members of the committee are:
• Deputy Chairman Hon. Sam Basil Jr (Bulolo);
• Sasindran Muthuvel (West New Britain Regional);
• Alexander Orme (Sumkar); • Hon. Ricky Morris (Alotau);
• Ereman Tobaining Jr (Kokopo); and
• Simon Dumarinu (Central Bougainville)
PM Marape said the functions of the two committees shall be to consider and report to Parliament on all matters referred to it, as provided for by Standing Orders, Parliament, respective ministers or on its own initiative.
He said the committees would consider any matters of national importance within its jurisdiction and report thereon to Parliament in accordance with the Permanent Parliamentary Committees Act, and report on the functions of respective ministries as are determined by a resolution of Parliament from time to time.
PM Marape said the committees had the power to send for persons, papers and records and to meet from place to place and to act during recess. The quorum for a meeting of the committees is four committee members, one of whom shall be the Chairman or Deputy Chairman.