LEADER of the Opposition, Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, has expressed concern over the manner in which the Marape-Rosso Government is appointing individuals to lead government departments, state entities, and State-Owned Enterprises.
Tomuriesa emphasized that the appointment of heads of agencies is a critical responsibility of any government, requiring the selection of competent, qualified, and merited individuals to ensure the effective functioning of the bureaucracy.
“We have seen far too often under this government the appointment of individuals with questionable qualifications, character, and merit to key organizations, which have subsequently seen a decline in performance and delivery,” Tomuriesa said.
He pointed to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as a key example, citing that the current Commissioner was appointed over more qualified candidates, contributing to the lawlessness crisis in PNG.
“Similar concerns apply to other appointments under this government, including the National Intelligence Organization (NIO), PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), Correctional Institutional Services (CIS), and other entities—all of which are in disrepute,” he added.
Tomuriesa also raised alarm over a recent appointment at the National Executive Council (NEC) level, claiming it disregarded due process. He referenced the appointment of Mr. Lucas Apingwa as Registrar General of the Civil Registry Office.
“Of the five names shortlisted for the NEC, Lucas Apingwa was not among them. While he may be highly qualified, the fact that he did not make the shortlist suggests he was deemed unsuitable according to the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) standards,” Tomuriesa stated.
He called on the Prime Minister, as chairman of the NEC, to explain this discrepancy to the people of Papua New Guinea, whose tax dollars fund the Civil Registry Office.
Tomuriesa underscored the significance of the Civil Registry Office’s functions, which include registering births and marriages, issuing certificates, and managing National Identification Cards (NIDs). He noted that the NID project has been plagued with controversy and has failed to capture even 10 percent of the population despite nearly one billion kina being spent.
“This questionable appointment, which smacks of nepotism, cronyism, and corruption, raises serious concerns about the rationale behind it,” Tomuriesa added.
He stressed that in the midst of a financial crisis, where public servants’ wages are delayed and service providers remain unpaid, such governance is unacceptable.
“Your Alternative Government is committed to eradicating corruption and restoring a merit-based public service. We will ensure that the most qualified, professional individuals are appointed to senior government positions to maximize service delivery to the nation,” Tomuriesa said.
He further vowed that the Alternative Government would revitalize the economy and create a stable, dependable path toward economic recovery, starting with appointing the right people to the right positions.
“We have just marked 49 years of political independence without achieving economic independence. How many more years will it take? Your Alternative Government is committed to delivering economic independence. It is not impossible—Sir Mekere did it in six months, and we can do it too,” Tomuriesa concluded.
