Papua New Guinea's Acting Chief of Police Operations says Gary Baki should be cleared of charges against him before he's appointed Police Commissioner.
Tony Wagambie and other senior officers in the Royal PNG Police Force have called on the government to review its appointment of Mr Baki, the long-serving Deputy Commissioner, as new Police chief.
They say cabinet did not follow proper procedures in the appointment, including the fact that the Police Minister wasn't present when the decision was made.
Mr Baki was suspended two months ago and has been charged with causing disaffection within the police force.
Mr Wagambie says it's not right that cabinet appoint someone while charges are pending against him.
"I think it's just a matter of the government appointing someone within the criteria laid down. Personally we have nothing against Gary Baki. We are talking about the process that should be followed that was not followed, that's all. He can wait and be cleared and get appointed sometime later on, but not right now when he's facing these charges - he should be cleared first."
