PNG govt reviewing G-G ruling

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Papua New Guinea's acting prime minister could not say when parliament will reconvene to elect a new governor-general, despite the Supreme Court ordering it done by January 20.

PNG's government lawyers are reviewing the controversial ruling, said Sam Abal, now acting prime minister after Michael Somare stood aside on Monday amid two weeks of political turmoil.

In his first press conference as acting PM, Mr Abal told reporters on Tuesday that the newly appointed cabinet had met and the government remains intact.

"Our legal eagles are checking to see whether the court has the mandate to recall parliament," he said.

"We are seeking legal advice as there are some legal issues that need to be closely looked at."

Mr Abal said he could not speculate how long he would be in the top job and accused state institutions of being "vindictive" in pursuing charges against the PM.

Doubt remains over the legal status of ministers and other office holders who were part of a sudden reshuffle last week, which was seen as the PM's pre-emptive strike to shore up his powerbase.

On Monday the newly appointed Attorney-General Arnold Ahmet admitted the government had made an "oversight" with the governor-general appointment, but dismissed claims the country faced a constitutional crisis.

On Monday night Sir Michael stood aside to face a leadership tribunal on allegations against him regarding failing to provide financial statements from as far back as 1993.

The political turmoil in PNG intensified last Friday when the Supreme Court ruled the June reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane as governor-general was invalid.

On Wednesday the son of Sir Michael and key government powerbroker, Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare, faces a similar scenario to that of his father, appealing against a public prosecutor referral on a leadership code issue from the Ombudsman Commission.

And despite an assurance on Monday by former deputy Prime minister Don Polye that he will remain with the government following his dumping in last week's reshuffle, there is continuing speculation he may take his Highlands faction to the opposition ranks in an attempt to topple the government via a vote of no-confidence.

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