Mr. Luke Liriha is now the acting Managing Director of the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) after the company’s Board of Directors suspended the Mr. Wapu Sonk as the Managing Director. Chairman Gerea Aopi said that this unanimous board resolution passed was necessary to protect the integrity of the KPHL Board and management. Mr. Aopi stated,” The Board is aware of internal issues involving the Trustee/Shareholder, former Chairman and Directors, the managing director and the new Board, activities which have ended up in the National and Supreme Courts and affected the activities and operations of the KPHL Board and management.” He noted that the new Board had taken the view that in the interest of good governance and ethics it was in the best interest of the KPHL to suspend Mr. Sonk, to bring stability and integrity to the relationship between the new board and management of KPHL. “This transparent and responsible approach protects the integrity of this flagship PNG petroleum company and also allows the managing director to address his personal issues,” said Mr. Aopi. This resolution is the most significant made by the new KPHL Board after the Supreme Court’s ruling confirming their appointment by Prime Minister James Marape, as sole shareholder of KPHL on behalf of the State. The Prime Minister’s appointment of the new KPHL Board had been challenged in the National Court by outgoing Chairman Dr Benedict Yaru on behalf of his board members. The National Court, presided by Justice Pauline Bre, on 13th August 2025, ruled that Dr Yaru had no standing as his term had expired on 2nd September 2023 – over two years ago. Dr Yaru had appealed to the Supreme Court, presided by Justice David Cannings, who on 25th August 2025 affirmed the National Court ruling of 13th August 2025. “Changes in boards when directors’ tenures expire is a standard practice in line with the Companies Act and specific KPHL legislation. This has been tested – and confirmed in both the National Court and Supreme Court in the case of the new KPHL Board,” Chairman Aopi said. “The new Board assures all stakeholder groups such as the impacted PNG LNG Project landowners with an interest in the Kroton Equity Option managed by KPHL, that we will review these arrangements and other project activities to ensure they are being carried out in line with legislation and signed agreements,” said Mr. Aopi.