Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Police Minister grilled over deals


*Rambi denies using position to get payments*

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was yesterday pressured to investigate allegations that millions of kina from the Police Department were pumped into a car rental company owned by Minister for Internal Security Sani Rambi. The Opposition raised the allegations on the floor of Parliament yesterday, and Sir Michael promised to look into the matter.

But while Mr Rambi admitted his company was doing business with police, he denied using his position to influence payments.Bulolo MP Sam Basil told Parliament Mr Rambi had placed himself in a conflict of interest position, and this was a stumbling block in the minister’s administration of his duties as police minister.

Mr Basil alleged that Mr Rambi and Police Commissioner Gari Baki needed to be investigated over their alleged involvement in diverting millions of kina that could have been used to improve the working conditions of police personnel throughout the country into the Mt Hagen-based car rental company.


Police commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki (above) and his superior, Mr. Sani Rambi need to explain to us of these allegations, if it is true.

He also told Parliament that Mr Baki operated two bank accounts, the police commissioner’s trust account and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary infrastructure trust account into which monies transferred for special operations were being used “uncontrollably”.Mr Basil identified Mr Rambi’s company as Mountain Hire Cars Limited, which he said had a very lucrative business engagement with the police force.

“The bills run into millions (of kina) which can be saved and used for vehicle purchases that can be used by the police department, which can cut costs by almost 50%, and the savings expanded into other logistical support that the department did not have,” Mr Basil said.“Millions of kina had been transacted into these accounts for special operations and some excessive funds have run dry, therefore, bringing the morale of investigating officers very low.

“Regular cashing out of cheques and transfer of funds to other operating accounts needed to also be scrutinised,” he added.He later circulated to the media copies of what appeared to be bank transactions of those accounts.Mr Basil asked the Prime Minister to appoint an independent auditor to probe the expenditure in those two trust accounts, and monies paid to the car rental company.Sir Michael said he would look into this as he had received documents relating to the matter and was aware of it.

Speaking to The National outside Parliament, Mr Rambi did not deny that his company, Mountain Hire Cars Limited, had business with the police department.He said the department, in fact, still owed him K700,000 in outstanding hire car fees. Mr Rambi said the payments were for a five-year period, from 2002 to 2006, before he entered politics and were for police special and election operations in the Highlands.Mr Baki concurred with Mr Rambi, saying the department owed K1.2 million to two other Mt Hagen-based car rental companies. Mr Rambi said Mountain Hire Cars leased vehicles to the police department for the Chuave and Anglimp-South Waghi by-elections as well as all the cars that were used in the state of emergency in Southern Highlands province.

However, all that was before he entered politics in 2007.And, while he did receive some payments, Mr Rambi said he did not take it up as a matter of priority after winning in the 2007 general elections and was given the police ministry because he knew it would amount to a “conflict of interest” situation.“I have been paid only K1.5 million; the State still owes me K700,000,” Mr Rambi said.He said after he became minister, the police department rented vehicles from his company only once – during the ethnic clash in Mt Hagen last year. He said the vehicles were rented for 42 days, but he got paid for 21 days’ use only. He did not say by how much


By MADELEINE AREK of The National


*** Click here to read my letter to the editorial in the newspapers

Labels:

Police Minister grilled over deals


*Rambi denies using position to get payments*

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was yesterday pressured to investigate allegations that millions of kina from the Police Department were pumped into a car rental company owned by Minister for Internal Security Sani Rambi. The Opposition raised the allegations on the floor of Parliament yesterday, and Sir Michael promised to look into the matter.

But while Mr Rambi admitted his company was doing business with police, he denied using his position to influence payments.Bulolo MP Sam Basil told Parliament Mr Rambi had placed himself in a conflict of interest position, and this was a stumbling block in the minister’s administration of his duties as police minister.

Mr Basil alleged that Mr Rambi and Police Commissioner Gari Baki needed to be investigated over their alleged involvement in diverting millions of kina that could have been used to improve the working conditions of police personnel throughout the country into the Mt Hagen-based car rental company.


Police commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki (above) and his superior, Mr. Sani Rambi need to explain to us of these allegations, if it is true.

He also told Parliament that Mr Baki operated two bank accounts, the police commissioner’s trust account and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary infrastructure trust account into which monies transferred for special operations were being used “uncontrollably”.Mr Basil identified Mr Rambi’s company as Mountain Hire Cars Limited, which he said had a very lucrative business engagement with the police force.

“The bills run into millions (of kina) which can be saved and used for vehicle purchases that can be used by the police department, which can cut costs by almost 50%, and the savings expanded into other logistical support that the department did not have,” Mr Basil said.“Millions of kina had been transacted into these accounts for special operations and some excessive funds have run dry, therefore, bringing the morale of investigating officers very low.

“Regular cashing out of cheques and transfer of funds to other operating accounts needed to also be scrutinised,” he added.He later circulated to the media copies of what appeared to be bank transactions of those accounts.Mr Basil asked the Prime Minister to appoint an independent auditor to probe the expenditure in those two trust accounts, and monies paid to the car rental company.Sir Michael said he would look into this as he had received documents relating to the matter and was aware of it.

Speaking to The National outside Parliament, Mr Rambi did not deny that his company, Mountain Hire Cars Limited, had business with the police department.He said the department, in fact, still owed him K700,000 in outstanding hire car fees. Mr Rambi said the payments were for a five-year period, from 2002 to 2006, before he entered politics and were for police special and election operations in the Highlands.Mr Baki concurred with Mr Rambi, saying the department owed K1.2 million to two other Mt Hagen-based car rental companies. Mr Rambi said Mountain Hire Cars leased vehicles to the police department for the Chuave and Anglimp-South Waghi by-elections as well as all the cars that were used in the state of emergency in Southern Highlands province.

However, all that was before he entered politics in 2007.And, while he did receive some payments, Mr Rambi said he did not take it up as a matter of priority after winning in the 2007 general elections and was given the police ministry because he knew it would amount to a “conflict of interest” situation.“I have been paid only K1.5 million; the State still owes me K700,000,” Mr Rambi said.He said after he became minister, the police department rented vehicles from his company only once – during the ethnic clash in Mt Hagen last year. He said the vehicles were rented for 42 days, but he got paid for 21 days’ use only. He did not say by how much


By MADELEINE AREK of The National


*** Click here to read my letter to the editorial in the newspapers

Labels:

Police Minister grilled over deals


*Rambi denies using position to get payments*

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was yesterday pressured to investigate allegations that millions of kina from the Police Department were pumped into a car rental company owned by Minister for Internal Security Sani Rambi. The Opposition raised the allegations on the floor of Parliament yesterday, and Sir Michael promised to look into the matter.

But while Mr Rambi admitted his company was doing business with police, he denied using his position to influence payments.Bulolo MP Sam Basil told Parliament Mr Rambi had placed himself in a conflict of interest position, and this was a stumbling block in the minister’s administration of his duties as police minister.

Mr Basil alleged that Mr Rambi and Police Commissioner Gari Baki needed to be investigated over their alleged involvement in diverting millions of kina that could have been used to improve the working conditions of police personnel throughout the country into the Mt Hagen-based car rental company.


Police commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki (above) and his superior, Mr. Sani Rambi need to explain to us of these allegations, if it is true.

He also told Parliament that Mr Baki operated two bank accounts, the police commissioner’s trust account and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary infrastructure trust account into which monies transferred for special operations were being used “uncontrollably”.Mr Basil identified Mr Rambi’s company as Mountain Hire Cars Limited, which he said had a very lucrative business engagement with the police force.

“The bills run into millions (of kina) which can be saved and used for vehicle purchases that can be used by the police department, which can cut costs by almost 50%, and the savings expanded into other logistical support that the department did not have,” Mr Basil said.“Millions of kina had been transacted into these accounts for special operations and some excessive funds have run dry, therefore, bringing the morale of investigating officers very low.

“Regular cashing out of cheques and transfer of funds to other operating accounts needed to also be scrutinised,” he added.He later circulated to the media copies of what appeared to be bank transactions of those accounts.Mr Basil asked the Prime Minister to appoint an independent auditor to probe the expenditure in those two trust accounts, and monies paid to the car rental company.Sir Michael said he would look into this as he had received documents relating to the matter and was aware of it.

Speaking to The National outside Parliament, Mr Rambi did not deny that his company, Mountain Hire Cars Limited, had business with the police department.He said the department, in fact, still owed him K700,000 in outstanding hire car fees. Mr Rambi said the payments were for a five-year period, from 2002 to 2006, before he entered politics and were for police special and election operations in the Highlands.Mr Baki concurred with Mr Rambi, saying the department owed K1.2 million to two other Mt Hagen-based car rental companies. Mr Rambi said Mountain Hire Cars leased vehicles to the police department for the Chuave and Anglimp-South Waghi by-elections as well as all the cars that were used in the state of emergency in Southern Highlands province.

However, all that was before he entered politics in 2007.And, while he did receive some payments, Mr Rambi said he did not take it up as a matter of priority after winning in the 2007 general elections and was given the police ministry because he knew it would amount to a “conflict of interest” situation.“I have been paid only K1.5 million; the State still owes me K700,000,” Mr Rambi said.He said after he became minister, the police department rented vehicles from his company only once – during the ethnic clash in Mt Hagen last year. He said the vehicles were rented for 42 days, but he got paid for 21 days’ use only. He did not say by how much


By MADELEINE AREK of The National


*** Click here to read my letter to the editorial in the newspapers

Labels:

Probe needed for Rambi and Baki


THE allegations of millions of kina paid to Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi’s rental car company that involves the Police Commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki is incongruous (The National 5/03/09). This is a classic example of gross abuse of power and trust bestowed upon them by our politicians.

The scenario here portrays not only an inadequate leadership qualities but one who possess hidden motives for lustful purposes. As the MP for Bulolo, Mr. Sam Basil has said, all these money could have gone to build new houses for the police force and renovate old facilities in the police barracks around the country.

Some of these living quarters at the barracks are beyond human habitation and I hope Mr. Baki and Mr. Rambi must have seen the deteriorating and overcrowding conditions at the Gordon's Police barracks in Port Moresby, for example. The crumpling conditions at the police barracks and ongoing fuel shortages throughout the country for police vehicles to combat law and order situations needed immediate attention using some of these money. The minister and his commissioner had acted smartly to divert these monies to businesses that benefit only them and their cohorts and not anyone else.


Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi (standing back row, forth from left) needs to explain to the police and the people of PNG if these allegations are true

Mr. Rambi has put himself in a position of conflict of interest and he and his commissioner should explain to the Papua New Guinea Police and the people of Papua New Guinea involving millions of kina for the police department and how that will benefit the police. There is always anxiety growing deeper and deeper each day in the hearts and minds of genuine Papua New Guineans when we read and hear such corruption at high levels.

Ministerial portfolios are created to oversee, provide, and deliver goods and services and not to use the office to steal from the government coffers. This is corruption and greed at it’s highest level and Mr. Rambi, Baki, and others who are in such similar situations needed quick probes into their allegations. Where is transparency and accountability that have been preached by the National Alliance Party before taking office?

DUKetepa

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Labels:

Probe needed for Rambi and Baki


THE allegations of millions of kina paid to Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi’s rental car company that involves the Police Commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki is incongruous (The National 5/03/09). This is a classic example of gross abuse of power and trust bestowed upon them by our politicians.

The scenario here portrays not only an inadequate leadership qualities but one who possess hidden motives for lustful purposes. As the MP for Bulolo, Mr. Sam Basil has said, all these money could have gone to build new houses for the police force and renovate old facilities in the police barracks around the country.

Some of these living quarters at the barracks are beyond human habitation and I hope Mr. Baki and Mr. Rambi must have seen the deteriorating and overcrowding conditions at the Gordon's Police barracks in Port Moresby, for example. The crumpling conditions at the police barracks and ongoing fuel shortages throughout the country for police vehicles to combat law and order situations needed immediate attention using some of these money. The minister and his commissioner had acted smartly to divert these monies to businesses that benefit only them and their cohorts and not anyone else.


Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi (standing back row, forth from left) needs to explain to the police and the people of PNG if these allegations are true

Mr. Rambi has put himself in a position of conflict of interest and he and his commissioner should explain to the Papua New Guinea Police and the people of Papua New Guinea involving millions of kina for the police department and how that will benefit the police. There is always anxiety growing deeper and deeper each day in the hearts and minds of genuine Papua New Guineans when we read and hear such corruption at high levels.

Ministerial portfolios are created to oversee, provide, and deliver goods and services and not to use the office to steal from the government coffers. This is corruption and greed at it’s highest level and Mr. Rambi, Baki, and others who are in such similar situations needed quick probes into their allegations. Where is transparency and accountability that have been preached by the National Alliance Party before taking office?

DUKetepa

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Labels:

Probe needed for Rambi and Baki


THE allegations of millions of kina paid to Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi’s rental car company that involves the Police Commissioner, Mr. Gari Baki is incongruous (The National 5/03/09). This is a classic example of gross abuse of power and trust bestowed upon them by our politicians.

The scenario here portrays not only an inadequate leadership qualities but one who possess hidden motives for lustful purposes. As the MP for Bulolo, Mr. Sam Basil has said, all these money could have gone to build new houses for the police force and renovate old facilities in the police barracks around the country.

Some of these living quarters at the barracks are beyond human habitation and I hope Mr. Baki and Mr. Rambi must have seen the deteriorating and overcrowding conditions at the Gordon's Police barracks in Port Moresby, for example. The crumpling conditions at the police barracks and ongoing fuel shortages throughout the country for police vehicles to combat law and order situations needed immediate attention using some of these money. The minister and his commissioner had acted smartly to divert these monies to businesses that benefit only them and their cohorts and not anyone else.


Police Minister, Mr. Sani Rambi (standing back row, forth from left) needs to explain to the police and the people of PNG if these allegations are true

Mr. Rambi has put himself in a position of conflict of interest and he and his commissioner should explain to the Papua New Guinea Police and the people of Papua New Guinea involving millions of kina for the police department and how that will benefit the police. There is always anxiety growing deeper and deeper each day in the hearts and minds of genuine Papua New Guineans when we read and hear such corruption at high levels.

Ministerial portfolios are created to oversee, provide, and deliver goods and services and not to use the office to steal from the government coffers. This is corruption and greed at it’s highest level and Mr. Rambi, Baki, and others who are in such similar situations needed quick probes into their allegations. Where is transparency and accountability that have been preached by the National Alliance Party before taking office?

DUKetepa

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Labels:

PM owes Engans an apology


I am not happy Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare left Enga before formally closing the NEC meeting last week. He owes the people of Enga province an apology. The people of Enga, led by Governor Peter Ipatas, had warmly received the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers from the border of Enga and Western Highlands provinces to Wabag.

School children, civil servants, parents and citizens armed with flowers and banners had braved the downpour by lining the roads to greet the PM and his high-powered delegation.

They had enjoyed every moment as hosts and were looking forward to celebrating Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics at Mr Ipatas’ Irelya village last Friday. Little did they know the Grand Chief would slip away unnoticed that day.

Sir Michael T. Somare speaking to more that 30,000 people in Wabag, Enga Province during the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting

The animals – pigs, cassowaries and goats – were not from Mr Ipatas’ farm.They were donated by Engans to commemorate Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics and also to farewell him and his team. For him to slip away without thanking his hosts was an insult.

The comments by Mr Ipatas might have hurt the Prime Minister’s feelings but that is politics. Sir Michael is boss of PNG. He should have defended himself and his Government’s decisions. He could have challenged Mr Ipatas that night itself or the next day at Mr Ipatas’ village.There was no excuse for him to slip out. Sir Michael must apologise to the people of Enga.


RPKapili


Port Moresby


Source: Editorial of The National


*** I still wonder when will the prime minister of the independent state of Papua New Guinea come out and tell the 5.6 million people of Papua New Guinea about the facts and motives why these important issues happened at the first place and why he is trying so hard to stop some of them from being pursued using his position as prime minister.

*Julian Moti case
*His deals with the shipping companies
* Acquittals on his EDF funds
* Finance inquiry
* NBF Cairns deal, and
* Others

I hope, he tells the people of Papua New Guinea before he retires from politics.

Labels:

PM owes Engans an apology


I am not happy Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare left Enga before formally closing the NEC meeting last week. He owes the people of Enga province an apology. The people of Enga, led by Governor Peter Ipatas, had warmly received the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers from the border of Enga and Western Highlands provinces to Wabag.

School children, civil servants, parents and citizens armed with flowers and banners had braved the downpour by lining the roads to greet the PM and his high-powered delegation.

They had enjoyed every moment as hosts and were looking forward to celebrating Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics at Mr Ipatas’ Irelya village last Friday. Little did they know the Grand Chief would slip away unnoticed that day.

Sir Michael T. Somare speaking to more that 30,000 people in Wabag, Enga Province during the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting

The animals – pigs, cassowaries and goats – were not from Mr Ipatas’ farm.They were donated by Engans to commemorate Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics and also to farewell him and his team. For him to slip away without thanking his hosts was an insult.

The comments by Mr Ipatas might have hurt the Prime Minister’s feelings but that is politics. Sir Michael is boss of PNG. He should have defended himself and his Government’s decisions. He could have challenged Mr Ipatas that night itself or the next day at Mr Ipatas’ village.There was no excuse for him to slip out. Sir Michael must apologise to the people of Enga.


RPKapili


Port Moresby


Source: Editorial of The National


*** I still wonder when will the prime minister of the independent state of Papua New Guinea come out and tell the 5.6 million people of Papua New Guinea about the facts and motives why these important issues happened at the first place and why he is trying so hard to stop some of them from being pursued using his position as prime minister.

*Julian Moti case
*His deals with the shipping companies
* Acquittals on his EDF funds
* Finance inquiry
* NBF Cairns deal, and
* Others

I hope, he tells the people of Papua New Guinea before he retires from politics.

Labels:

PM owes Engans an apology


I am not happy Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare left Enga before formally closing the NEC meeting last week. He owes the people of Enga province an apology. The people of Enga, led by Governor Peter Ipatas, had warmly received the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers from the border of Enga and Western Highlands provinces to Wabag.

School children, civil servants, parents and citizens armed with flowers and banners had braved the downpour by lining the roads to greet the PM and his high-powered delegation.

They had enjoyed every moment as hosts and were looking forward to celebrating Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics at Mr Ipatas’ Irelya village last Friday. Little did they know the Grand Chief would slip away unnoticed that day.

Sir Michael T. Somare speaking to more that 30,000 people in Wabag, Enga Province during the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting

The animals – pigs, cassowaries and goats – were not from Mr Ipatas’ farm.They were donated by Engans to commemorate Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics and also to farewell him and his team. For him to slip away without thanking his hosts was an insult.

The comments by Mr Ipatas might have hurt the Prime Minister’s feelings but that is politics. Sir Michael is boss of PNG. He should have defended himself and his Government’s decisions. He could have challenged Mr Ipatas that night itself or the next day at Mr Ipatas’ village.There was no excuse for him to slip out. Sir Michael must apologise to the people of Enga.


RPKapili


Port Moresby


Source: Editorial of The National


*** I still wonder when will the prime minister of the independent state of Papua New Guinea come out and tell the 5.6 million people of Papua New Guinea about the facts and motives why these important issues happened at the first place and why he is trying so hard to stop some of them from being pursued using his position as prime minister.

*Julian Moti case
*His deals with the shipping companies
* Acquittals on his EDF funds
* Finance inquiry
* NBF Cairns deal, and
* Others

I hope, he tells the people of Papua New Guinea before he retires from politics.

Labels: