PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed this afternoon the full reinstatement of Hon. Jimmy Maladina as Minister for Petroleum.
Mr Maladina stepped aside from his position early in July this year while a com- plaint against him was being processed by the Australian police and court.
Prime Minister Marape said today Mr Maladina is being restored to his portfolio based on legal advice he has received.
“I want to inform the nation that Hon. Jimmy Maladina has been restored to the Petroleum ministry to continue the work in the petroleum sector. This is hap- pening in consultation with legal advice we have received.
“I commend Hon. Thomas Opa for standing in as caretaker during this time and for doing his absolute best in the short period.
“I am now looking forward to seeing the progress in P’nyang gas, and Minister Maladina completing the work on Papua LNG, all outstanding issue relating to landowner matters in Papua New Guinea LNG, and completing the present concession to production-sharing regime that we envisage for our country.
“There is much to be done by the Ministry and so I call on all players in the Petroleum sector to give Minister Maladina all your support,” said Prime Minister Marape.
