10 May 2011

PNG citizen challenges legality of ministerial appointments

7:08 pm on 10 May 2011

A former acting National Court judge in Papua New Guinea has challenged the validity of the appointments of three key cabinet ministers.

The Post Courier says Nemo Yalo has filed the case in the Supreme Court in his capacity as a citizen.

Mr Yalo says he wants the court to verify the legality of the appointment of Sam Abal, Sir Arnold Amet and Paul Tiensten last December by the then Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane.

Mr Yalo says Sir Paulias made the appointments when he was on leave.

He says as a general rule, a Governor-General, like an ordinary public servant, while on holiday, is unable to perform his official work.