Following the recent traditional rite by the people of New Ireland headed by Mining Minister and Namatanai MP, Byron Chan, the Speaker’s Office is not happy.
In a statement signed by the First Secretary, Wotes Katiwa, it stated that there was no written permission sought and therefore, there was no official response from the Speaker to allow the Malangan Masks into the parliament grounds.
However, according to Minister Chan, the traditional ceremony proceeded because it was given permission by the Speakers Office to use the facility outside parliament.
The letter clarified that the use of the mask at parliament by Minister Chan was to celebrate the instalment of Sir Julius’ bust or sculpture outside parliament house.
The letter stated that there was no written permission sought thus, no official response from the Speaker to that effect.
The Office of the Speaker was approached late last Thursday seeking permission.
As the Speaker was and is still away in his electorate, that permission was granted by the First Secretary to the Speaker.
It further stated that how the celebrations would occur was the prerogative of Minister Chan and New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan.
It was not for the Speaker or his office to dictate the procession, and to indicate that the Speaker approved of the Masks in parliament, was misleading and wrong.
However, at the Traditional ceremony, Minister Chan was grateful for the Speaker for his approval.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=E5USyWuoW2k%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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