PNGTUC DEMANDS DAKI KEPT OUT OF CABINET UNTIL K200M SME FUND PROBE COMPLETED
The PNG Trade Union Congress is calling on Prime Minister James Marape to keep Tambul-Nebilyer MP Win Bakri Daki out of the National Executive Council until investigations into the reported K200 million SME funds are finished.
On Wednesday, PNGTUC Assistant General Secretary Anton P Sekum said that appointing Mr Daki as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister while questions remain over the SME funding undermines public confidence and the integrity of Cabinet.
“The Prime Minister owes the country that explanation,” Sekum said. “Public concerns surrounding Mr Daki’s previous performance as a State Minister cannot simply be brushed aside by another ministerial appointment.”
Sekum stressed the union is not prejudging Mr Daki and that he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. But he said transparency must come first.
“Keep Hon. Win Bakri Daki outside NEC until all relevant investigations and audits concerning the K200 million SME funds are completed and he is cleared of wrongdoing,” he said. “If Mr Daki has done nothing wrong, a proper and transparent investigation will protect his reputation and clear the way for his future appointment.”
PNGTUC raised three key questions about the appointment: Why him? Why now? And is the decision in the national interest or driven by political survival?
“Public office is a public trust. Where serious questions involving public money remain unanswered, accountability must come before appointment,” Sekum said.
“The same standard should apply to every Minister, regardless of political importance or closeness to the Prime Minister.”
The union said the move would also protect the Prime Minister from perceptions of favouritism and safeguard public trust in the National Executive Council. Mr Daki has not been charged with any offence in relation to the SME fund.
