PNG PM promises to resign if found guilty of improper practice

1:33 pm on 4 July 2019

Papua New Guinea's prime minister says he'll resign if an inquiry into a controversial loan finds him guilty of improper practice.

On 30 April 2019, members of Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman Commission delivered to the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, its report into the UBS loan.

On 30 April 2019, members of Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman Commission delivered to the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, its report into the UBS loan. Photo: PNG Ombudsman Commission

James Marape has promised to launch an inquiry into a $US1.2 billion loan from the Swiss bank UBS, which was used by the government to buy a stake in the resource company Oil Search.

An Ombudsman Commission report tabled in parliament last week suggested former prime minister Peter O'Neill may have broken the law in taking out the loan.

The report also implicated Mr Marape, who was finance minister at the time.

In parliament yesterday, Mr Marape said all players in the loan saga - including himself - will be scrutinised by a commission of inquiry.