Prime Minister Marape called on to decommission Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina

East Sepik Governor Alan Bird, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender Based Violence has called on Prime Minister James Marape to decommission petroleum minister Jimmy Maladina pending the outcome of court a proceeding.

He says the action of Mr Maladina is embarrassing for the entire country.

The office of the Prime Minister says, a statement will be issued after the Department of Foreign Affairs provides a brief.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko has not responded to questions from this newsroom.

The Minister for Petroleum and member for Esa'ala was arrested and charged following the alleged assault of a 31 year old woman in Bondi on Saturday, 06th July.

This was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday [Saturday].

Mr Maladina in a statement says he is cooperating with the authorities to address this matter.

The Minister says he understands the gravity of this situation and the concerns it raises, saying he holds himself to high standards of conduct as a public servant, both personally and professionally.

Maladina says he wants to make it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable, and he committed to handling this situation with integrity and transparency but request for privacy for all parties involved as they work through the process.

The Minister is currently responsible for negotiating for country's second big Liquified Natural Gas, the Papua L-N-G and also the Pasca in Gulf province among others.

NBC News is seeking comments from the PNG High Commission in Australia.