by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
The signature of the public enterprises minister, on the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the state and Exxon Mobil PNG Limited, on the supply of domestic gas and development of P’nyang, has been questioned by the Opposition.
The Opposition described this as a “rush move”, adding that the document should have been signed by the petroleum and energy minister.
Opposition Leader, Don Polye, speaking on behalf of his bench, criticised the government on allowing the public enterprises minister of signing the document on behalf of the minister responsible for petroleum and energy.
However Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, defended the government’s decision, saying it was for the nation’s interest.
A disappointed and unsatisfied Polye demanded for the prime minister to also explain the domestic market obligation and why the project was easily accorded to Exxon Mobil.
The prime minister, in response, said there was no particular provision of domestic market obligation on the current project, because there was not enough gas.
In a media conference, Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat, said it was illegal for the public enterprises minister to sign such important documents.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=z2h3R2fh97E%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
