MANAGING Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Wapu Sonk has agreed to a request by Prime Minister James Marape to step down as chairman of the PNG NRL Franchise amid allegations by a leading Australian newspaper of a corrupt business deal between KPHL and a Chinese state-owned company.
The Sydney Morning Herald published an exclusive investigative news report this morning that accused Mr Sonk of making business deals with Beijing whilst seeking funding assistance from Canberra for PNG’s NRL bid.
PM Marape issued a media statement this afternoon in the wake of the allegations against Mr Sonk and to reaffirm the PNG Government’s commitment to the PNG NRL Franchise, which will be funded by A$600 million (K2 billion) Australian Government grant.
“I have been made aware of serious allegations published by the Sydney Morning Herald concerning Mr Wapu Sonk, one of Papua New Guinea’s nominated directors on the PNG NRL Franchise Board,” Mr Marape said.
“These allegations relate to business dealings during his tenure at Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and while these matters are unrelated to the NRL bid, they raise concerns that cannot be ignored.
“The PNG NRL Franchise is not merely a sporting initiative. It is a transformative national undertaking, backed by K2 billion (A$600 million) in Australian taxpayer funding and represents our deepening strategic partnership with Australia, an opportunity to empower our youth, and a unifying platform for our nation.
“I have spoken to Mr Sonk and, while he is currently overseas, I have requested that he step down from his role as a Director on the PNG NRL Franchise Board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so.
This reflects PNG’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and public trust.
“This is not a presumption of guilt. Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.
“I want to reassure the people of Papua New Guinea, the Australian Government, and the ARLC that my government is committed to full transparency and cooperation with any relevant investigations. The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy.
“We thank Mr Sonk for his contributions to the early phase of the PNG NRL bid. However, this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence. Our national sporting future, and our international reputation, depend on it.
“Let us move forward with purpose and unity, and demonstrate to the world that Papua New Guinea is ready to deliver a world-class NRL team, built on trust, transparency and national pride.”