by Bethanie Harriman – EM TV, Lae
Whilst in Lae today, Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil raised concerns on the future of the Ombudsman Commission because MPs currently under investigation are still in office.
“Those members of parliament who are being referred are very powerful members of parliament,” said Basil.
Sam Basil said key ministers under investigation may opt to change policies that can render the Ombudsman Commission powerless. He said MPs under investigation remain in control of development funds and can influence the backbenchers.
He has made a call to MPs in the back benches to take a stand to save the Ombudsman.
“They can change laws to make the Ombudsman weak, or remove it all together,” said Basil, referring to the key ministers under investigation.
He urged Governor General Sir Michael Ogio to dissolve parliament because the number of government MPs under investigation has increased, indicating corruption.
“When 40 per cent of the government MPs are referred to the Ombudsman, I think the Governor General should dissolve parliament so we can go back to elections,” said Basil.
