Sasindran Muthuvel

Sasindran Muthuvel said it is a step in the right direction in reforming and fulfilling the National Government’s promise to give greater financial powers to the provinces to address capacity issues there.

"It is certainly a way to go to improve services in the provinces that will also be beneficial for security purposes, especially on lives of IRC officers going to some of the high-risk provinces amidst security threats.

He said there will be no more delays and the game will proceed as planned.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was responding to West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, who was asking for government’s assistance in aiding sports men and women to West New Britain.

He said the game had already been postponed twice.

He added that the provincial government has already spent K20 million on infrastructure.

“Can the Government give some assurance that the games will still be played?”

There were floats, marches and bicycle rides around town and a joint police and Correction service parade was held and was reviewed by Governor Sasindran Muthuvel

Muthuvel, when delivering his speech urged the people of WNB to uphold the values of family and unity among themselves.

He said positive thoughts and actions will always bring out positive results.

He added that our communities have our own cultures and must be followed and respected at all times.

Regional candidates Michael Akis and Tony Puana are leading the petition.

The four-point petition covers allegations of bribery, undue influences, qualification to contest in 2012 and 2017 elections, and other election irregularities by the Electoral Commission during polling and counting.

The petitioners accused Governor Muthuvel of rigging the election process on the grounds that election officials had continued counting the regional ballot papers despite scrutineers disputing a number of ballot boxes.

He said the Act, which was amended in 2012, should be repealed to allow all the provincial governments to resume collecting their own smaller tax revenue.

Muthuvel explained that, in the case of WNB, they are imposing tax on beer (20t per bottle) and cigarette (3t per stick) which brings about K2 million revenue to the provincial government per annum.

However, he said when the amendment in 2012 was implemented, the National Government, through the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), stopped the provincial governments from collecting any form of revenue.

Muthuvel on Tuesday presented a cheque of K200,000 to Malilimi Primary School as school grant laid under the trust account.

This follows the recent opening of a double classroom for the same school in April just before the opening of writs.

Malilimi Primary School board chairman, Khairul Zanel, heaped praise on Muthuvel for keeping his word.

Meantime, Muthuvel thanked NBPOL for creating opportunities for children living in the vicinity of the school for a better future through education.

"Education is the master key to unlock all doors," he stressed.

They inspected the Bialla Health Centre today and were impressed on the scope of work done by the project team.

Apart from Kimbe, Bialla appears to be the only district town in the country that is growing in-terms of continuous investments in hotel and apartments, besides the rapid rise in shops, opening up of banking services and other business houses.

With such developments, health is of paramount importance to the administration of Governor Sasindran Muthuvel.

Kandrian Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang was not present to be sworn in with the two leaders.

Making their declarations of loyalty to serve the people of West New Britain, the leaders have committed to serve the people wholeheartedly and bring services to them.

Governor Muthuvel said team work is needed by the leaders in order for the people to get the basic services.

He called on other provincial leaders to put away their differences and move the province forward.

The Nakanai tribe along with other tribes were dressed in their traditional outfits to welcome the two members as they stepped out of the plane.

Hoskins airport was filled to capacity as the people gathered to welcome the two leaders.

Maneke had been sworn - in as a Minister of state on Wednesday by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at the Government House in Port Moresby.

He was the first MP from the province to be elected and to be given a ministry straight after the elections.

After the 16th exclusion, Muthuvel polled above the absolute majority of 43,402 by 1,287 votes with a total of 44,689.

He was declared at 7pm last night by the Provincial Returning Officer, Emily Kelton. 

Runner up was Chris Paul Lagisa who polled 26,764.

Speaking to Loop PNG after his declaration, Muthuvel thanked all his supporters in West New Britain and committed to continue to deliver services to his people.

With his theme “Reaching the unreached and Touching the untouch” Muthuvel has dedicated his victory to the people of WNB.