Anti-corruption Taskforce Sweep was disbanded and its head, Sam Koim was removed last week by prime minister Peter O’Neill after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Mr O’Neill has denied allegations by Taskforce Sweep that he authorise corrupt payments of about A$23 million to the Paraka law firm.
“My message is for Australian taxpayers who have contributed to the development of the rule of law over the years through AusAid, and I understand there’s about $500 million annually that is given to Papua New Guinea, to develop the rule of law, the very thing the Australian taxpayers have contributed to building up is now at stake,” said Mr Koim after meeting with Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop in Canberra.
Ms Bishop did not comment on the meeting or developments in PNG.
Mr O’Neill sacked a number of political allies and police officers after the arrest warrant was issued and a court hearing on Wednesday is due to decide its validity.
“This is all political. I think the police have jumped the gun,” Mr O’Neill told national television on the weekend.
“This matter is before the court and I think it is within my legal right as a citizen to get the court to give a legal interpretation but I cannot say that we are trying to avoid being interviewed.”
SBS reporter Brian Thomson speaks with former anti-corruption commissioner, Sam Koim
He accuses Mr Koim of colluding with the Deputy Opposition leader Sam Basil to bring down his government.
“Those are baseless allegations and I do not want to stoop down too low to respond,” Mr Koim said.
Mr Basil was a minister in a previous O’Neill government and helped set up Taskforce Sweep.
“I want you (Peter O’Neill) to bring this case to the fraud squad or the taskforce and I will hand myself in, which you failed to do yourself,” Mr Basil said.
“I’m calling for the prime minister to step down … and we would expect the veteran members of parliament to see the real situation and call for the PM to step down.”
Parliament resumed today amid protests by thousands of Papua New Guineans in Port Moresby calling for the reinstatement of Taskforce Sweep and for Mr O’Neill to resign.
Amendments to 'no confidence' motion procedures were due to be considered that would ensure if one was passed, power would be still retained by the ruling party.
MPs adjourned parliament until August 26 to again consider the amendments.
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