Bulolo MP

Late DPM Basil Laid To Rest

His tomb is in front of his home that he has been building since 2012. Hundreds gathered at Sagayo to bid his farewell. 

In a ceremony befitting a respected Statesman, the late DPM's casket was slowly brought to his tomb, where the PNG flag was neatly folded and handed to his mother, Cathy Basil, as a sign of appreciation for her late son's contributions to the nation.

The Late Basil's casket was then lowered into his tomb, followed by a three-volley salute that was fired in his honour by the PNG Defence Force.

Leadership Tribunal Clears Basil

He has thanked Prime Minister, James Marape for having confidence in him and his innocence throughout the leadership tribunal. Basil made this remarks outside the courthouse today after the Leadership Tribunal dismissed his case.

“I want to thank the Prime Minister for keeping my Deputy Prime Minister seat empty during the last two sessions of Parliament and my Ministry. I would like to say thank you to the Prime Minister for his understanding, as United Labour Party is a good coalition partner of the Pangu Government. 

Basil vows to defend against charges

Basil appeared before the Leadership Tribunal yesterday at the Waigani National Court.

After the hearing, Basil said: “The facts are that I have been referred by the Ombudsman Commission to the Office of the Public Prosecutor. Both institutions have assessed that I have a prima facie case of misconduct in office to answer; and therefore the Public Prosecutor has requested the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to appoint a Leadership Tribunal headed by Justice David Allen to hear the case.

Basil referred to Fraud

The executive arm of the party released a statement recently, to say they have issued a formal complaint to restrain Basil from conducting any business under the banner of MA.

MA Party President James Chamilou stated that the party’s executive arm has registered a formal complaint with the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate to conduct proper investigation for abuse of office and official corruption, conspiracy, false pretense, forgery and altering the party logo.

New office for Melanesian Alliance Party

With the opening of its office space, the new look Melanesian Alliance party under the leadership of Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, intends to start rebuilding the party in preparation for 2022 elections.

An office space that will run the affairs of the Melanesian Alliance Party and also screen and nominate candidates for the 2022 General Election was opened on May 17th at Korobosea, Port Moresby.

The new Party leader says they intend to start early and are laying the foundation to prepare for 2022.

Basil clarifies move to Government

He said politicians legislate and empower law enforcement agencies while the law enforcers’ duty must be to enforce the law without fear or favour.

“We must not have institutional and professional identity crisis in our respective roles. Politicians must deal with politics in the political arena.

“I have already said that Pangu Pati will support the Independent Commission Against Corruption bill, which has been outstanding for a long time – and we will support bills that will empower rather than disempower law enforcement agencies.

Basil questions logging on island

Deputy Opposition Leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil made the statement after seeing recent pictures of logging activities on Siassi Island, Morobe Province.

“It is surprising to continue to see the little island of Siassi being continued to be logged,” said Basil.

“What benefits have those logging operations brought back to the Siassi Islanders? Can the LLG President make some enquiries to the National Forest Authority (NFA) to see if this project is supported by the Morobe Provincial Government and his LLG?