The National Government will revisit its controversial decision regarding the hosting rights of the 2028 PNG Unity Games following concerns raised by the East Sepik’s leaders in Parliament today.

Member for Wewak, Stanley Muts Samban questioned the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports, Kinoka Feo’s decision to remove East Sepik Province’s hosting rights for the 9th PNG Unity Games during parliament seating on Wednesday May 27th, 2026.

He is arguing that the province had lawfully secured the bid through a signed agreement with the PNG Sports Foundation having fulfilled all requirements to host the Games, including paying a K50,000 bid fee and an additional K2 million to secure the hosting rights.

He said preparations and infrastructure planning were already underway in the province before it was announced that the Games would instead be shifted to Southern Highlands Province.

“The people of Wewak and East Sepik Province clearly won the democratic bid to host the ninth PNG Unity Games.”

“We followed the rules, signed a legally binding host contract agreement with the PNG Sports Foundation and invested millions of kina into preparations.”

Samban questioned the legal authority behind the decision, asking why East Sepik was being penalized for issues relating to venue readiness and project delays elsewhere.

He further called on the Government to either reverse the decision and engage in consultations with East Sepik leaders or compensate the province for funds already committed to preparations.

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports Kinoka Feo acknowledged the issue and confirmed that the matter would be taken back to Cabinet for reconsideration.

Feo said the original submission he had presented to Cabinet was intended to maintain the existing arrangement for East Sepik to host the Games.

“Again, I want to make it clear that the decision was taken in the Cabinet room.”

“Of course, the intent of the submission I took was a bit different. It was maintaining what we agreed to.”

The Minister said discussions had already begun with the PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Games Council to reconcile the matter.

“I have instructed my CEO to take a paper back to Cabinet again just to reconcile this conflict.”

Feo added that the Government would work towards a solution and make an announcement once consultations and reviews were completed.

“As the Prime Minister always says, we are only human, we make mistakes.”

“But this one was taken in full totality of all the conversations and issues that needed to be considered.”

 “In due time I will be able to announce the solution going forward.”