Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil

For national security, hold that container: Basil

Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Basil, says the semi-automatic firearms, which were seized by Customs in Lae in October, must continue to be quarantined at Igam Barracks, where they are currently being held.

Basil said the circumstances surrounding how the firearms were brought in was suspicious, especially on the eve of the elections. He alleges that the guns may be used by political opponents.

“We are calling on the hierarchy of Igam Barracks please, hold that container for national security.

Acquittals are unaudited: Basil

Acquittals are not an endorsed document on how Provincial, District and Local Level Government Services Improvement Program (SIP) funds are used.

Basil said this in response to ORD Secretary, Paul Sai, calling on MPs to submit acquittals so that the reports can be verified and sent to Government. This is so they can keep track of the performance of programs.

Sai made the statement during the handing over of 2014 District Report acquittals to ORD by the Member for Kairuku-Hiri, Peter Isoaimo.

K60m taken from Opposition, claims Basil

This follows an alleged instruction by the Prime Minister to divert the funds to pay the salaries of public servants.

Basil backed Opposition Leader Don Polye, calling the alleged directive a serious breach in the constitution, and a discriminatory and unfair instruction.

Basil queried why only the 21 members of the Opposition had K2.9 million from each DSIP funds remitted back to the consolidated revenue to pay for the salaries while the other 90 members in the Government did not have some of their funds remitted.

Basil questions importation of 280 semi-automatic guns

The Pangu Party Leader made these comments following media reports of confiscation of military grade weapons by PNG Customs because of no declaration.  

Government Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari, who also heads the National Security Advisory Council, said the guns belong to the Police. 

“Lupari's statement doesn't add up, something is wrong here,” Basil stated.

“The non-declaration act alone by the private company breaches the Customs Act, whether a government agency or a private sector, those breaches are serious in nature.