PM Marape says the independence of constitutional offices will remain

Popondetta Open MP, Richard Masere taking the oath of office as Minister responsible for Key Constitutional Matters and Offices at Government House [Picture supplied]

Papua New Guineas watchdog office, the Ombudsman Commission maintains it is an independent office free of any political interference.

In a letter to the office of the prime minister following the recent appointment of a new minister of key constitutional offices, the Ombudsman Commission wants an explanation whether the creation of the ministry for constitutional offices is in compliance with the requirement of Section 148 (2) of the Constitution.

The specific law reads that “except as provided by a Constitutional Law or an Act of the Parliament, all departments, sections, branches and functions of government must be the political responsibility of a minister, and the prime minister is politically responsible for any of them that are not specifically allocated under this section.”

The letter agrees that, appointment of state ministers is a prerogative of the prime minister, in line with Section 144 [2] of the constitution, “the ministers, other than the prime minister, shall be appointed by the Head of State, acting with, and in accordance with, the advice of the prime minister.”

And section 148 [2], “except as provided by a Constitutional Law or an Act of the Parliament, all departments, sections, branches and functions of government must be the political responsibility of a Minister, and the Prime Minister is politically responsible for any of them that are not specifically allocated under this section.

During the recent cabinet reshuffle to the Marape – Rosso Government, Popondetta Open MP Richard Masere was appointed to the Minister for Key Constitutional Matters and Offices, which is responsible for National Statistics Office, Electoral Commission, PNG Civil & Identity Registry, Ombudsman Commission and Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Mr Masere understands the huge responsibility and said, 'I look forward to assisting the prime minister and the national government to serve our people with diligence and integrity, and ensure the prosperity and overall well-being of our country is progressed."

The minister is expected to hold a media conference on Thursday to respond to the statement made by OCPNG.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister James Marape released a media statement stating that government remains committed to upholding the law with regard to constitutional offices.

Mr Marape said "there is no intention, whatsoever, to break the law regarding constitutional offices reporting to the prime minister."

"That is entrenched in law and will be maintained."

The prime minister said, "this ministry is specifically established to enable the minister to address key functions that have been outstanding, such as the national census, progression of the national Identification programme, assisting the prime minister in reviewing key constitutional offices, evaluating the electoral process, and other essential tasks."

“The Ombudsman Commission's role and responsibilities will not be diluted or compromised… in the past, ministers have assisted the prime minister in similar tasks, such as the administrative services minister under former Prime Minister Paias Wingti,” Mr Marape said.