03-15-2012, 04:24 PM
I can't imagine Somare dropping this.
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Somare hits out at PNG deputy Prime minister’s behaviour
By Online Editor
09:56 am GMT+12, 15/03/2012, Papua New Guinea
The former prime minister of Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare has demanded an investigation into the behaviour of the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah, at the Star casino last year.
The Herald revealed yesterday incident reports written by casino staff alleged Namah sexually harassed a blackjack dealer before being thrown out for threatening staff while drunk on the morning of April 16.
But hours later, the casino readmitted Namah, along with two colleagues. It is understood he had deposited $800,000 (US$836,000) in a casino account, along with two colleagues.
Sir Michael, toppled by the Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, in a political crisis last December, said Namah should be banned from overseas trips and described his behaviour as “disgraceful”.
“'I know many in PNG are embarrassed that an elected representative, therefore a leader of government, can behave in such a shameful and disorderly manner,” Sir Michael said.
“O'Neill cannot remain silent about the conduct of his deputy any more. Too many allegations are already stacking up against Namah.
“The alleged amount of money held by the casino of $800,000 (US$836,000) for Namah is also alarming,” Sir Michael said.
Lawrence Stephens, the PNG chairman of the corruption regulator Transparency International, said it was always disappointing to hear of public officials misbehaving overseas.
“It looks bad. Splashing large sums of cash around at a casino is extremely frightening, especially when we are constantly told there is not enough money for schools, hospitals and roads,” he said.
“Over the years we've heard numerous names of PNG people behaving in a similar way with large sums of money at various Australian casinos,” Stephens said.
“And it is a huge public embarrassment when senior representatives behave in such an obnoxious manner,” he said.
“I am sure the PNG people will be hugely disappointed with these reports.”
The federal Deputy Opposition Leader and spokeswoman on foreign affairs, Julie Bishop, described the allegations about events at the casino as “serious” and urged Namah to co-operate fully with any investigation into the matter.
“The allegations about Namah's behaviour … are serious, particularly the claim that large sums of money were involved,” she said.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokeswoman said the allegations were matters for the inquiry under way into the Star by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Namah, a former forestry minister in Somare's government, has denied he is the person mentioned in the five incident reports dated April 16, 2011.
His lawyer, Greg Sheppard, said Namah “did not misconduct himself”.
**********
Somare hits out at PNG deputy Prime minister’s behaviour
By Online Editor
09:56 am GMT+12, 15/03/2012, Papua New Guinea
The former prime minister of Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare has demanded an investigation into the behaviour of the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah, at the Star casino last year.
The Herald revealed yesterday incident reports written by casino staff alleged Namah sexually harassed a blackjack dealer before being thrown out for threatening staff while drunk on the morning of April 16.
But hours later, the casino readmitted Namah, along with two colleagues. It is understood he had deposited $800,000 (US$836,000) in a casino account, along with two colleagues.
Sir Michael, toppled by the Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, in a political crisis last December, said Namah should be banned from overseas trips and described his behaviour as “disgraceful”.
“'I know many in PNG are embarrassed that an elected representative, therefore a leader of government, can behave in such a shameful and disorderly manner,” Sir Michael said.
“O'Neill cannot remain silent about the conduct of his deputy any more. Too many allegations are already stacking up against Namah.
“The alleged amount of money held by the casino of $800,000 (US$836,000) for Namah is also alarming,” Sir Michael said.
Lawrence Stephens, the PNG chairman of the corruption regulator Transparency International, said it was always disappointing to hear of public officials misbehaving overseas.
“It looks bad. Splashing large sums of cash around at a casino is extremely frightening, especially when we are constantly told there is not enough money for schools, hospitals and roads,” he said.
“Over the years we've heard numerous names of PNG people behaving in a similar way with large sums of money at various Australian casinos,” Stephens said.
“And it is a huge public embarrassment when senior representatives behave in such an obnoxious manner,” he said.
“I am sure the PNG people will be hugely disappointed with these reports.”
The federal Deputy Opposition Leader and spokeswoman on foreign affairs, Julie Bishop, described the allegations about events at the casino as “serious” and urged Namah to co-operate fully with any investigation into the matter.
“The allegations about Namah's behaviour … are serious, particularly the claim that large sums of money were involved,” she said.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokeswoman said the allegations were matters for the inquiry under way into the Star by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Namah, a former forestry minister in Somare's government, has denied he is the person mentioned in the five incident reports dated April 16, 2011.
His lawyer, Greg Sheppard, said Namah “did not misconduct himself”.