OPPOSITION Leader Hon. Joseph Lelang has referred Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Member for Moresby-South, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko to the Ombudsman Commission (OC).
Mr. Lelang referred him (Tkatchenko) by way of writing to the office of the Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen.
A copy of the referral letter received by this paper indicates that the OC has formally received the letter today (5TH June, 2023) at 10am.
The subject of the letter reads: “Referral of Justine Tkatchenko to be removed as Member of Parliament for misconduct in office”.
According to the letter, the Opposition felt it necessary to refer the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko to the OC for possible breach of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Determination.
“The allegations relate to the scandalous and controversial trip led by former Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, his daughter Savannah Tkatchenko’s antics on social media TikTok and the costs involved and the role his daughter played during the coronation of King Charles Ill in London recently in May, 2023.
The Opposition feels that what came out of this trip has exposed serious allegations of misconduct by the Minister.”
Lelang said the nation is in an uproar on unprecedented levels for Tkatchenko’s racist slur against Papua New Guineans which not only has brought the integrity of his Office into question but the use of public monies to fund the travel cost of his daughter Savannah Tkatchenko is illegal and including pretence by his daughter who posed as his spouse during the coronation of King Charles Ill in London and who attended events meant for spouses is very serious and fraudulent in nature.
“The Opposition hereby refers Hon. Justin Tkatchenko on three grounds to be charged for misconduct in Office and removed as a Member of Parliament.
“Racial slur being the ground one. During the trip to London to officiate the coronation of King Charles Ill, Savannah Tkatchenko has made numerous TikTok releases that has raised the ire of Papua New Guineans.
“Then Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko (her father) made a racial slur on fellow Papua New Guinean Citizens. The racial slur (quote) “…She is absolutely traumatized by these primitive animals. I call them primitive animals because they are…”(Unquote). This was aired on ABC Pacific Beat and then relayed to all of the world’s media.
“As Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Tkatchenko, who himself is a senior IVIP, is expected to rise above his daughter’s social antics and address the issue in a mature and formal manner, should he wish to defend his daughter against “Haters”.
“His words “useless” and “primitive animals” which he repeated twice, is racist in nature. Such words are derogatory and implies that the dignity of Papua New Guineans is no better than that of primitive animals.
“Such words uttered on international media coming from a naturalized citizen is shameful to every Papua New Guineans in this day and age. Such behaviour from a naturalized citizen whether he be an NIP or not, should never be tolerated,” Lelang said.
He said Tkatchenko’s racial slur has raised the ire of the entire nation leading to protest marches and sitting protests and stop work by all the trade unions in the country including the student body, the chamber of commerce, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and church leaders and fellow Members of Parliament.
“Integrity of Minister’s Office into question being ground two. As Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Tkatchenko’s actions have brought into question the integrity of his Office. This is a breach of his oath of Office and oath as a Member of Parliament to serve the people of PNG and uphold the integrity of the Office that he occupies.
“I believe Mr. Tkatchenko’s actions has brought into question the integrity of the Office he occupies both as a Member of Parliament and as Minister for Foreign Affairs. His actions tantamount to a misconduct in office and in the public interest, he should be removed as a Member of Parliament.
“Coronation of King Charles 111 and financial costs incurred by daughter by state is the final ground. On radio aired on Sunday 13th May, 2023; Mr. Tkatchenko informed PNG that he was invited to attend the coronation of King Charles Ill and that his daughter accompanied him.
“He also said that he had nothing to hide and that the costs used to fund him and his daughter’s trip were part of his entitlements by law.”
