DEFENCE Minister and MP for Nipa Kutubu, Dr Billy Joseph, says the allegations of corruption against Kumul Petrroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Managing Director and PNG NRL Bid Chairman Wapu Sonk, as reported by the Australian media, should be left to the Australian government and people to deal with.
“I am baffled by the level of negativity, particularly by the affluent from Mendi Munihu and Nipa Kutubu peddling fake news and propaganda on the alleged corruption deal involving Mr. Wapu Sonk, Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holding Limited, primarily intended to drive a smear campaign,” Minister Joseph said in a media statement today.
“I urge you to listen to the podcast made by one none other than the renowned 60 Minutes presenter and investigative journalist Nick Mckenzie and abreast yourselves with the facts presented. What precipitates at the end of the day is that this is a personal matter for Mr. Sonk to sort out in Australia therefore it isn’t proper for anyone here to insinuate, point fingers or blame local politics.
“Additionally, lobbying the Prime Minister or the government to force a course of action is not a responsible thing to do particularly in this precarious time.
“Let’s respect Mr. Sonk and parties allegedly involved and allow them time and space to respond and clear the allegations made by the Australian media.
“The allegations are very clear and it happened relating to KPHL, Australian citizens and Australian registered companies, Australian properties, as well as Australian Government funded PNGNRL bid. And these reported by seasoned Australian investigative journalists in Australian Media.
“So the question is, where does Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands Province or Nipa Kutubu District feature in this picture?
“Perhaps let me give a snaphot of the PNG context. KPHL comes under the auspices of the State Enterprise Minister, Hon William Duma. It is up to the Board of KPHL and Minister responsible to deal with the issues of KPHL management in light of the current allegations; and other relevant matters in KPHL.
To conclude, I reiterate that the allegations on the said matter is in Australia, thus is in a foreign jurisdiction. Therefore I appeal to everyone that it is not for us to discuss the matter here. Let us refrain from making misleading and insinuating statements intended to mislead the public.
“The best we can do is give Mr Sonk the respect he rightfully deserves by allowing him the opportunity to clear the serious allegations made against him by the Australian Media.”