13 Aug 2011

PNG's new PM fires three key public servants

10:07 am on 13 August 2011

Papua New Guinea's new Prime Minister has sacked three key public servants as he tries to restore public confidence by fighting corruption.

The Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill told the National newspaper he has revoked the unlawful appointments of Chief Secretary Margaret Elias, Finance Secretary Gabriel Yer and acting Southern Highlands provincial ad-ministrator Lawrence Olkoben.

He says Mr Yer was sidelined because of on-going misuse and mismanagement of finance while the appointments of Ms Elias and Mr Olkoben had bypassed proper procedures.

Mr O'Neil says the three people filling the posts are Manasupe Zurenuoc, Seven Gibson and William Powi and they all have vast public service experience.

He says the week old cabinet decided to replace the three heads of department to restore public confidence and implement good transparent governance.