THE principal landowners of Hides PDL7 in Hela Province have come out strongly in support of the Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Wapu Sonk, against claims by the Australian media that he was involved in a corrupt business deal with a Chinese State-owned company.
The Chairman of Umbrella Hides PDL7 Association Inc., Erick Hawai Ako, said Mr Sonk had a proven track record of transforming KPHL into the most profitable State enterprise.
He said the allegations were baseless and without proof of any wrongdoing by Mr Sonk. These unproven claims have already smeared Mr Sonk’s good name and reputation and forced him to step down as a director of the PNG NRL Bid.
“On behalf of my Association and our 10,000-plus landowners of the PNG LNG wellhead areas of Hides, I fully support Wapu Sonk against these baseless allegations by the Australian media.”
“Wapu Sonk has an impeccable reputation in both the PNG and global oil and gas industries. He has played a key role in the establishment and ongoing success of KPHL. Moreover, Mr Sonk built his good name and reputation through smart business management of our national oil company. He deserves high commendation and full support from our leaders and people.”
“We, the simple landowners of the wellhead areas of Hides, which supplies gas for PNG LNG, stand firm behind Wapu Sonk. We are proud of his achievements, leadership and commitment to KPHL, which has contributed billions of kina to the Government’s revenue.”
“We call on our Prime Minister, Hon James Marape, to ensure that Wapu Sonk continues with his operational mandate to execute KPHL’s corporate strategy.”
“We have one final message for the Australian media – Leave Wapu Sonk alone, if you don’t have any evidence or proof to support your baseless allegations.”