Fraud squad closure embarrassing and demeaning

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 24, 2016 (PNG)

DON Polye has described the recent shutting down of the Fraud and Anti-corruption Directorate as an embarrassment of the country’s standing as an independent nation along with it demeaning the legal system within the country.

He said as an agent of the State the police force was the body that upholds the rule of law in the country, which it was now going against through Commissioner Gary Baki, despite the National Court staying the suspension of the directorate’s head Matthew Damaru.

“It is an embarrassing case and situation in the face of the people of PNG and the global community- you will never see police doing this,” Polye said.

“Police have made a vow to protect lives and property and promote the rule of law and uphold justice.”

“If his officers are making arrest, prosecuting crimes or illegal conducts of individuals regardless of status he is the first man to come out and encourage his officers and give them the determination to continue the good work.”

“If there are some issues he can say there is a court order in place and my officers are doing their job. That is how we expect commissioners to behave and conduct themselves according to the law.”

He said the closing of the office of the fraud squad was a backward, unprofessional, illegal, and also was in contempt to the court order.

“It demeans the country’s highest offices from the Office of the PM, judiciary, attorney general and the office he (Baki) occupies as the commissioner for police and I urge him not to do this.”

“I advise the people of the country that the people of Papua New Guinea own this country. They own the police, defense, and they own the government, public and private sectors.”

“It is because of the people of this nation that this nation exists as a sovereign nation. The rule of law protects sovereignty. If the rule of law, justice, constitutions are belittled by those that have been mandated to protect and promote like the police than God save this country.”

Though Mr Polye said he does not condone violent actions he called on citizens to understand the situation and stand up for their rights to speak against the current situation.