Transparency International PNG has described the missing Manumanu files as ‘extremely shameful’.
In a statement, TIPNG says it is appalling that the Minister for Lands and Physical Planning has needed to report files, important to an Administrative Inquiry launched by the Prime Minister, to be missing.
“It is simply not acceptable that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Minister Tkatchenko are prevented from delivering on promises they have made to the nation and shamed by public servants who fail to secure documents essential to delivering of these promises,” says the anti-rot organisation.
TIPNG calls on the Prime Minister to preserve the integrity of the process he himself started in February 2017 when he announced an administrative inquiry into the Manumanu land deal.
"If the inquiry is deficient due to missing documentation, then it is clear that a much more robust investigation, even a Commission of Inquiry, should be established and the matter reviewed by appropriate investigators and by the Judiciary,” states chairman of TIPNG, Lawrence Stephens.
The reported missing Manumanu land files are very likely to have an impact on the ongoing administrative inquiry. TIPNG has been concerned about the upholding of the principles of good governance in the Manumanu case.
Since the case surfaced, TIPNG has been calling on the Prime Minister to revoke his decision to reappoint ministers he stood aside to permit an Inquiry to be conducted and preserve the integrity of the Administrative Inquiry.
TIPNG has constantly called for the tabling of the findings of the Inquiry.
“It is difficult to see how the inquiry will be effective given the latest disclosure,” says the organisation.
TIPNG also calls on the Ombudsman Commission and investigative authorities to take note and conduct swift action.
“The people need assurances that government exists for them, to protect and advance their interests.
“If the likely evidence of fraud can be tampered with when in the care of public officials, citizens lose trust in the Government system and can even begin to doubt the sincerity of promises made to them.”