Leader of the Opposition Belden Namah

Sir Paulias was a remarkable ambassador, prolific author, commentator and a friend of the common person. He served his people and PNG with great distinction in every situation.

When PNG gained Independence in 1975, Sir Paulias was Ambassador to the United States of America and served concurrently as Ambassador to the United Nations from 1975-1979.

Namah said it is without doubt Sir Paulias was the voice that silenced those who were at the United Nations in 1976, who wanted secession for Bougainville.

A leading pathologist has actually advised the family to delay the autopsy and ask for a Coronas Inquest into the deaths.

The pathologist has said that these are no ordinary deaths and the implications of this investigation are serious.

“All persons in position of responsibility from the hospital CEO, Health Secretary, the Pandemic Controller right up to the Prime Minister are culpable and must bear responsibility,” Mr Namah said.

“Any autopsy that is conducted must include all related deaths at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Mr Namah said he had filed an urgent Section 18 (1) Application to have the Supreme Court rule on whether or not Parliament was in breach of the Constitution on the 63 Days Mandatory Sitting Days in relation to the 2021 Parliamentary Calendar Year.

“By my count, Parliament is in breach but only the Supreme Court has the powers to interpret and put this matter to rest beyond any doubt as it is its sole mandate to do so,” Mr Namah said.

Mr Manning said there are allegations that significant funds have been expended by “trustees” with no evidence of benefits to the beneficiaries. The Trust Funds belong to the 148,000-plus people from 158 villages located in the communities along the Fly River mine corridor in the Western Province.

“That is what the police through the Special Police Forensic Criminal Investigation team is investigating. That is all I can say for now as the matter is now before the court and we will address the allegations raised by Mr Namah in court,” Mr Manning said.