The debate continues over the recent appointment of six King’s Counsel’s, this time, the country’s legal fraternity representative body – the Papua New Guinea Law Society (PNGLS) -has expressed serious concern into unilateral vetting and appointment process of KC’s. Simply put, the PNGLS said bluntly that “we will not recognize these appointments as legitimate.” The six KC’s appointment was published in a recent gazette notice, but the PNGLS in a statement released on Friday November 1st, stated that this unprecedented move comes in the absence of any established system, policy, or legal framework to support such appointments in our jurisdiction. Comparing the appointment process, the statement reads, “In Australia and the United Kingdom there are established processes for the vetting and appointment of KCs”. The statement goes on to explain that “In those jurisdictions KC appointments are independently managed within the Bar, driven by established protocols and criteria that uphold the integrity of the legal profession.” “PNGLS firmly believes that the process of appointing KCs must be transparent, merit-based, and governed by a recognized regulatory framework.” “By circumventing these essential principles, the Attorney General’s actions raise significant questions about the decision to appoint KCs and its implications for the rule of law in Papua New Guinea.” “We wish to clarify that our concerns are not directed at the individual lawyers who have been purportedly appointed; we hold respect for their accomplishments and dedication to the legal profession (but) we are critical of the appointments because of the lack of process, accountability and transparency over the appointments and the fact that the PNGLS was not consulted,” PNGLS stated. “In a time when our legal institutions require fortification rather than division, such unilateral actions undermine the profession's credibility and threaten the independence of the Bar.” “We are committed to championing the standards and dignity of the legal profession; thus, we will not recognize these appointments as legitimate”, PNGLS stated. “As a collective body representing legal practitioners in Papua New Guinea, the PNGLS calls upon the Attorney General to clarify the reasoning behind these appointments and to engage with the Bar in a respectful dialogue about the future of our legal system.” “We urge a return to processes that prioritize transparency, legitimacy, and the rule of law.” The statement concludes, “We stand resolute in our commitment to advocate for the proper administration of justice and the protection of our legal profession.”