Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance in the leadership of PNG’s National Oil and Gas Company, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL). Following the recent suspension of KPHL Managing Director Mr. Wapu Sonk, Prime Minister Marape addressed his confidence in integrity and National Law this week regarding concerns of KPHL’s role in the country. “Kumul Petroleum is not a family company, not a tribal company, and not a provincial company.” “As the trustee shareholder on behalf of the people, my role is to ensure that proper governance and legal processes are followed at all times.” The Prime Minister clarified that while he holds the role of trustee shareholder, he does not exercise unilateral authority over KPHL’s Board and Management. “In my seven years as Prime Minister, I have never once directed the Chairman of KPHL to act on my instructions. Boards must operate independently, guided by law and proper corporate governance.” While affirming his address, he pointed out to the former KPHL Board Chairman, Dr. Benedict Yaru for assurance. “Dr. Yaru knows that in the seven years I have been Prime Minister, I never made a call or gave directions to him.” “I am a leader who wants to uphold moral ethics and integrity, accountability, and transparency in our government processes.” “The only time I am involved is when I sign instruments to appoint board members or executives.” “Apart from that, I don’t interfere in their operations. I have trust that they manage the respective organisations as required and expected of them.” “Where their actions are not right when measured against law, then they will be held accountable.” The Prime Minister further stressed that the current situation has nothing to do with politics or political influence. He reaffirmed confidence in the newly-appointed Board of KPHL, led by Chairman Mr. Gerea Aopi. “No politician is involved in this process. It is purely, entirely, a board decision that has been taken.” “A new Board was installed once the old Board’s tenure expired and the Board have a duty of care for the company. “Mr. Aopi is one of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) most respected oil and gas experts and a senior citizen of our nation.” “His appointment, along with other board members, followed a due process of merit-based selection. I have full confidence in their ability to steer KPHL forward.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape explained that Mr. Wapu Sonk’s suspension by the KPHL Board was due to serious allegations involving financial dealings with a law firm linked to the former Board, misuse of company resources in legal disputes, and reports of impropriety in international media. He emphasized that the issues must be addressed through due process, acknowledging Sonk’s past contributions but stressing that the responsibility lies with him to prove his innocence, including by legally challenging media reports. “The integrity of the company is bigger than any individual, including myself, and I can understand why the board took this position.” “It is now incumbent upon him to clear his name and respond to these allegations.” “The Board was appointed to look at the company, and the MD has been in the company for a long time, so he has nothing to fear if he is totally innocent.” “This process will help him clear his name once and for all as a professional son of the country.” Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ensuring that KPHL, as PNG’s flagship national oil and gas enterprise, operates above reproach in order to safeguard the interests of the nation’s resources. “This company is vital for the future of our country. PNG LNG and other key resource projects flow through Kumul Petroleum.” “For that reason, the company must function with integrity, free of doubt, and with leadership that upholds the law and protects the people’s interests.” PM Marape concluded by reiterating his confidence in the independent board and the rule of law. “The Board has done its job, and now it is up to the suspended Managing Director to do his part by clearing these allegations.” “My government will always respect the rule of law and the independence of Boards to carry out their functions.” “We will never compromise governance for politics.” “KPHL belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea, and it must always serve them with integrity, transparency, and accountability.”