Conversation with the PMs daughter: Part 2

PNG Exposed

We reported a few days ago on an email conversation with the Prime Minister’s daughter and Press Secretary about the Paraka Scams in which she struggled to explain why the government had not been to court to lift the injunction against prosecutions.

Since then a few more emails have passed back and forth (which you can read below) but now Betha Somare seems to have pulled the plug; leaving us with the astonishing assertion that while yes, there are illegal activities going on, the government cannot be blamed and there are many positive developments for which the government gets no credit.

Read the exchanges below and see if you are convinced….

Email 1. Betha Somare:

As I mentioned in my previous email, I am not a lawyer and will pass on 
matters you have raised to the Attorney General’s office. Hopefully
they will be able to advise the way forward for government.

Regards, Betha Somare, PM’s Media Unit

Email 2. An observer responded:

Thanks Beta for “at least” responding. But to gain our trust remains a BIG question, due to the fact that there is Gross Negligence on the part of the Government to take action on the issues pressured to by pressure groups. I hope, you are not trying to divert the attention again.

Whether the Government acts on those issues raised remains to be seen.

Senson

Email 3. PNGexpose reply to Betha:

Thank you Betha

We all look forward to hearing what the Attorney Generals Office has to say – presumably they will be reporting back as a matter or urgency?

In the meantime, the Commission of Inquiry recommended it continue its work for another year as it had only been able to study a fraction of the cases of fraud and theft that it wanted to investigate.

Can you please explain why the government has not agreed to this request and appointed the Commission for another 12 months?

Surely having already uncovered K780 million in stolen funds the PM is MOST keen for the Commission to continue its excellent work on behalf of the people of PNG?

PNGexpose

Email 4. Betha again:

I forwarded your email yesterday to the Attorney General’s office and sent a follow up email this morning for a reply. I am still waiting.

On the COI I am not part of the decision making body, I only announce decisions that have been made by Cabinet so if that decision is made I will certainly inform the media.

Regards, Betha Somare, PM’s Media Unit

Email 5. Betha once more:

Dear nameless. I note that you have become very sure of yourself in soliciting answers from me. Your gutlessness astounds me. After informing you of the advice that I have received from the Attorney general’s Office I will not answer any further questions until you are man/woman enough to tell your fellow email buddies who you are.

You have been very good at pointing fingers but basic ettiquette such as standing up to what you believe is right and having the courage to defend that belief is sorely lacking.

It has been easy for some of you to use corruption to label government. Yes there are illegal activities that are going on but it does not mean government is condoning these actions.

You all know the system of government is slow. We are a long way from the days when there was no hope in PNG. Many of you refuse to acknowledge positive developments. I agree there is so much to be done but it is not because of the lack of will by government that service delivery is taking place at such a slow rate.

The answers to your queries are below:

1: Injunction by Paraka Lawyers. A private law firm is acting for the State on this. I believe the application to lift the injunction has been argued. We are awaiting a decision and advice from the law firm.

2. Gabriel Yer – non issue. Let the process take its course. there is no cause for alarm.

3. Gabriel Kapis allegations. Thise are matters for police investigations and indeed police have commenced investigations. These are not matters for us to discuss publicly. If anyone has evidence/information, please forward those to the police to assist them with the investigations.

Betha Somare, PM’s Media Unit

Email 6. PNGexpose has the last word?

Dear Betha

I am sure everyone will welcome the news a private law firm is acting for the government in seeking to have the Paraka injunction lifted – let us hope there is a positive outcome very soon.

Also, it is good to hear the police are investigating Kapris’s allegations against Pruaitch et al

But it is sad that you have decided to resort to insults and shut down our conversation when so much is left to be discussed.

For example, how can you dismiss Yer as a non issue when he is the Secretary of Finance but has been recommended for prosecution for fraud by a Commission of Inquiry that found bountiful evidence he has stolen millions?

If the government is aware there are illegal activities taking place as you say and we see it takes no action then of course you will be labelled as either corrupt or incompetent. Which is it?

You speak of positive developments but where are they?

* Social indicators continue to slide
* Violence and crime are on the increase
* Housing becomes more and more unaffordable
* Services get worse and worse (unless of course yo have the money to fly to Singapore for your medical treatment)

And if the government is not responsible for the lack of service delivery then who is?

It seems from what you say the government is overwhelmed and unable to act?

If that is the case then surely it should step aside and let someone who can govern take over

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