MEMBER for Kavieng and Minister for Treasury, Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey has labelled the allegations made against him involving alleged misuse of Lihir Mining Royalties as “political witch-hunt”.
“It’s just another political witch-hunt repeating same old unsubstantiated allegations.
“If these people were genuine, they would provide evidences and we all test the allegations in court,” the Kavieng MP said.
He was responding to a call made by New Irelanders last week to investigate him and Namatanai Open MP Walter Schnaubelt over the alleged misappropriation of over K90 million in Lihir Mining Royalties.
Former public servant and Tanir Council elder, Temerama Tonagina, alleged that the two MPs had spent K43 million each without the approval of the Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priorities Committee and the Provincial Assembly as required under the DDA and Appropriation Act.
He said Schnaubelt used his private companies under the Namatanai Workers Farming Association network to misuse money intended for the people of Konoagil, Matalai, Namatanai and Tanir, while the Punam Bridge he promised to restore is still undone.
“Schnaubelt must explain how much was spent on this failed bridge and why he cannot honour his promise to the people,” Tonagina said.
“The provincial government was willing and ready to build the Punam Bridge but Schnaubelt instead announced that he would take on the responsibility after bulk of the Lihir royalties was diverted to him at the Namatanai DDA.
“That declaration was made four years ago. He must now declare how much has been spent on the project when there is nothing tangible on the ground.” Tonagina said likewise, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Ombudsman Commission (OC) must investigate and audit the Kavieng MP, Ling-Stuckey for the expenditure of K64m in Lihir royalties he received over the period since 2021 and a similar sum during his term as Governor from 2002 to 2007.
“All the reports of the K64m alleged misuse sent to the Ombudsman are collecting dust at the commission,” he said.
“I urge ICAC, the Police and independent constitutional offices to bring this matter to a close.”
Tonagina, meanwhile, urged the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority to investigate the two MPs’ citizenship status.
“Dual citizenship is a possible breach of PNG laws to hold public office,” he said.
“New Irelanders have been raising this query and it remains a pending issue. We demand the truth.”
Meanwhile, NIP assembly chief Robin Kamkam said ICAC should reprimand the Police Commissioner and the Ombudsman for ignoring the complaints filed over the years.
“Justice is being denied and this is concerning,” he said.
Sunday Bulletin’s queries with the Namatanai MP’s office for a response to the allegations met with the assurance of a formal reply anytime soon.
However, the MP’s office briefly replied stating: “It’s just another political rhetoric from the Governor.”
