Sir Mekere Morauta

“We always knew that this illegal deal between the Prime Minister, Oil Search and Union Bank of Switzerland was a bad deal, a bad investment and a bad use of public money,” he said.

“But we never knew it would be this bad.

“The total cost to the people of Papua New Guinea is likely to be more than K1 billion. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill must come clean on the exact costs.”

He said O’Neill must also come clean on whether the sale was caused by his Government’s inability to repay the loan.

Sir Mekere Morauta believes the total cost to the people of Papua New Guinea is likely to be more than K1 billion, while the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Board said State lost over K760 million (US$254 million) after the approved sale.

“We always knew that this deal between the Prime Minister, Oil Search and Union Bank of Switzerland was a bad deal, a bad investment and a bad use of public money,” he said. “But we never knew it would be this bad.

North-West MP and chairman of the committee, Sir Mekere Morauta, told his members to work for the common good of all sectors, including churches, women and youth groups as well as the wider community.

He said they were entrusted with important decision-making powers on development needs and aspirations of the people.

He was speaking after the swearing-in of Moresby North-West JDP & BPC members on Sept 12 at the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) city hall.

“This was the last thing I thought would happen when I asked my colleague Independent MPs to join Pangu Pati,” Sir Mekere said.

“Of course I respect the decision by the individual Members to move as they see fit. But I do not agree with the move.”

Sir Mekere claims the O’Neill Government had wrecked Papua New Guinea during the last five years – wrecked important oversight institutions, interfered with law enforcement agencies, allowed corruption to flourish, grossly mismanaged public finances and forced the economy into recession.

Former returning officer (RO) Moka Havara revealed to Loop PNG that he declared the 2017 national elections Moresby North-West candidate, Tonde, out of frustration.

​On Thursday, July 27, Havara illegally declared Tonde as member-elect at a hotel in Port Moresby, hours after Sir Mekere Morauta’s declaration.

Havara could not be located that morning to declare Sir Mekere after he surpassed the absolute majority.

 Acting Secretary for Implementation and Rural Development, Aihi Vaki commended Malabag’s electoral officer, Angus Ali, for returning the electoral vehicle to Sir Mekere’s electoral officer, Pedro Oroa today.

Ali, when handing over the keys, called on Sir Mekere to continue and complete impact community projects initiated by Malabag.

“There are a number of good health, education as well as other community projects that should continue to be funded for the benefit of people” he said.

The MPs include former Prime Minister and Moresby North-West MP, Mekere Morauta, Central Province Governor Robert Agarobe, Rigo MP Lekwa Gure, Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom and South Fly MP Sekie Agisa.

In a media conference in Port Moresby, PANGU Leader Sam Basil announced the addition of the five MPs.

Basil said as a major party in the Opposition, they will move to consolidate their political priorities and pathway. This is mainly focused in agriculture, women and family, church partnership, decentralisation, economic reforms, law and justice, Bougainville and governance.

Fifteen houses were completely destroyed by the fire, twelve were partially destroyed and over 200 families were directly affected.

Sir Mekere said his office and Hanuabada election coordinators were working with the Central Disaster Committee to ascertain what needed to be done and to find resources to help the families.

He said unfortunately, the electorate had not been given any electoral funds, including DSIP, so far at all, so his office had no financial resources to help. His office was however seeking assistance from NCDC.

His declaration was done by Bale Kavanamur, the newly-appointed returning officer for Moresby North-West, at around midday today. Kavanamur was appointed RO this morning.

Sir Mekere ousted sitting member, Michael Malabag, who was excluded at the 33^rd elimination last night.

He thanked the electoral officials for the job well done but expressed anger and frustration at the same time for the counting process.

He said a lot of voters were denied their right to vote and choose their leader of choice, the fundamentals of democracy.

Sir Mekere told the media this morning, prior to his declaration as member-elect for Moresby North-West.

His return to politics comes after a term absence. He was the MP from 1997 to 2012.

From retirement, Sir Mekere said he is making a comeback because he is worried about the country’s future.

He thanked the people of Moresby North-West for giving him the privilege of representing them.

He said he chose to return and play the game instead of watching and criticising.

"The last five years has changed in its democratic character," he said.