PNG PM Marape to seek Legal Advice on Manning's Appointment

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister  James Marape says Cabinet will be seeking legal advice on a decision it made in 2019 to appoint David Manning as Police Commissioner.
“(It was a collective decision) when we appointed Manning in the first place,” he said.
“I have not received a full advice from our lawyers on the decision which was Cabinet’s collective decision when we appointed Manning.
“Due process was complied with for his appointment.
“But if the court feels otherwise, then we will study the decision before I respond.”
The National Court ruled on Friday that Manning should vacate the post in seven days because he did not have the required university qualification to take up the post.

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Marape said while Manning might opt to challenge the court decision, Cabinet would also recheck the process it used “because we know former police commissioners who had no university degrees were appointed through the same process we followed”.
Minister for Justice Bryan Kramer also plans to get Cabinet approval to amend the regulation to exempt the Commissioner of Police from its oversight.
“In practice, the Commissioner of Police has never been subjected to the minimum tertiary qualification requirement given the operational nature of the police force,” he said.
Kramer said the Government remained confident in Manning’s ability to oversee the reform of the constabulary.
“Once the regulation has been amended, PSC may recommence the process and resubmit a short-list of candidates to the NEC after the position becomes vacant.”
Police Minister William Onglo said the Government “respects and will comply with all court decisions”.

TheNational/PNGfacts/

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