23 Jun 2014

PNG leader accused of misusing power

4:06 pm on 23 June 2014

The Papua New Guinea MP Don Polye says the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is misusing his powers to sack any public officer who opposes him over the Paraka affair.

This follows police attempts to question Mr O'Neill in relation to his alleged role in illegal payments to the Paraka law firm.

The government has sacked at least two senior police officers after they attempted to have Mr O'Neill questioned.

Furthermore, he wants police to investigate the head of PNG's recently disbanded anti-corruption unit for allegedly conspiring with a senior opposition MP.

Mr Polye told EM TV that the Prime Minister is bullying officials to frustrate the probe.

"The one who is the suspect... just because he's the Prime Minister, mandated by the very people, he turns around and says, I'm the suspect but I'm going to investigate you guys who have been investigating me."

Meanwhile, Don Polye, a former Treasurer, has voluntarily submitted to be interviewed by police in relation to his role in the Paraka payments.