By GINNAH MINI
Governor for East Sepik Province, Allan Bird, has raised questions without notice to the Prime Minister over the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) 2026 recruitment intake-particularly on its report into the scandal and the previous defence minister.
Mr. Bird asked the Prime Minister about when the parliament will be expecting to receive the report, to explain the rationale behind appointing previous defence minister to a new ministry and about the reason of the delay for the report as young suitable candidates are being waiting for future PNGDF recruitment.
“Whatever the delays are, could I ask the Prime Minister to give an undertaking to expeditiously provide that report to the Parliament so that we may proceed with the recruitment of some of these fine young Papua New Guineans in the security of our country,” Mr. Bird questioned.
In response, Prime Minister James Marape, said that he is yet to receive the report on the Murray Baracks recruitment issue, but two weeks ago he has directed the chief secretary to be in haste with the report.
Mr. Marape assured the parliament that they are finalizing the report, but he is not privy to the details of the report as he may be sabotaging the independence of the investigation that is running.
“I have given them full respect to be independent and to assess in totality what happened at Murray Barracks,” Mr. Marape said.
In response to Mr. Bird’s question about the former minister, Prime Minster Marape said that if there is a reference to misconduct or influence, then at that point in time when the report is made available, appropriate actions will take place.
He stated that once the report is complete, he would then be in the position to see whether a minister’s concern has infringed and whether he has the right to be in cabinet or not.
He added that one small misdemeanor or a serious offense at Murray Barracks will be leaving no stones unturned.
Prime Minister Marape has urged parliament to respect the country and its process and let the investigation be completed.