The Whistleblowers Act is in the process of being brought to Cabinet.
Prime Minister, James Marape, said this when responding to Moresby North-West MP, Sir Mekere Morauta, about the legislation.
Sir Mekere asked on the introduction of the legislation to protect whistleblowers on corruption.
“Will the prime Minister consider introducing a law that protects whistleblowers immediately? Because the people who have written the letter have been sacked for doing the right thing for the people of Papua New Guinea. So we need to protect whistleblowers.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Act was being brought to Cabinet soon. Currently they are looking at ensuring the Act is well put together to ensure there is no abuse.
“Whilst it’s coming to Cabinet, we will be reconciling with the issue of giving protection to those who want to submit evidences in relation to corruption, but at the same time, finding balance that those who are, we live in a society where there’s a lot of cross dynamics at play.
“Many people, for instance, those of us who hold public office, also have various layers of opponents, and at any one instance, someone can pick an issue that has no total prima facie case that can stand the scrutiny and process of law, but just for the sake of rallying up and getting someone that has an issue with may push up something and the court may throw it out.
“So giving a recourse to those who can be compensated for if the due process of law, including the prosecution, finds the case is not proper, then those who stack up allegations that can’t be substantiated for can be prosecuted, by them participating in a malicious prosecution so to speak.”
Sir Mekere’s questions related to an unsigned and unauthored letter alleging corruption and impropriety within Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited’s executive management.
Minister for Petroleum, Kerenga Kua, raised a point of order asking that questions surrounding the unsigned and unauthored letter not be entertained to avoid unnecessary credibility and prominence until he receives the letter officially.
He said he was aware of the letter.
“Although (the letter) maybe referring to something or matters with substance, it may be prudent not to give prominence to matters that are circulating in social media at large and giving them unnecessary credibility and prominence.
“I’m patiently waiting for the letter to reach me through the proper channels, properly signed off by the author so that we can address those matters. These are matters of good faith and of serious issues.”