“Whatever relevant information the country needs to know especially on matters surrounding the company, components and the business case will be put to the public.”
That’s from Prime Minister James Marape on the matter of the Gold Bullion Agreement which drafted and driven by the Government, responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang during question time on Wednesday.
Prior to the Prime Minister giving his response, two Points of order were raised against the Opposition Leader by both the Member of Popondetta, Richard Masere and Minister for Justice & Attorney General and Member for Imbonggu, Pila Niningi on the grounds that the matter was still in court following the matter being brought before the national court by a private citizen.
However, upon further deliberation, it was established that the matter has already been dealt with and due to the state failing to appeal to the Supreme Court against the National Courts decision to have the information being disseminated, the acting speaker granted leave for the opposition leader to continue with his enquiry.
In his response the Prime Minister stated that both Members still felt that the matter is still in court and acknowledged the ruling of the acting speaker to allow the opposition to enquire.
“The Court has cleared this already and the state has yet to file an appeal. It is a matter of public interest, it needs to be asked, needs to be responded upon.”
PMJM stated that with respect to the court order, relevant information will in the governments “considered view be made Public” for public dissemination, especially matters relating to the structure of the Gold Bullion deal and the business that the state would want to enter.
“Who owns what, shares and how does Papua New Guinea benefit. Mr. Acting Speaker you know very well that the Government on this side is a Pro-Nationalist Government. Any work effort is to get more for our country.”
He further elaborated that the intention to move into Gold Bullion and refinery will be structured in a way that is not harmful to existing industries.