28 Nov 2013

Concern over PNG MPs made to line up for district funds

5:07 am on 28 November 2013

The Papua New Guinea opposition MP Sam Basil has voiced concern at the method of disbursal of District Support Improvement Programme funds for MPs.

MPs are each entitled to ten million kina per year in DSIP funds.

The government, through parliamentary services, has directed that MPs would have to come to parliament to physically receive cheques for the latest quarterly allocation.

Mr Basil says the payments should be made directly to established district treasuries through electronic transferral but instead MPs are made to stand in line in demeaning fashion.

He says DSIP funds are not always allocated promptly, suggesting that the latest allocation only came after MPs passed the budget.

"We call it plantation workers day. It's when the plantation workers line up for payroll. Nowadays it's very difficult for any backbencher of government to speak up against any legislation or any issue on which they may feel they will offend the Prime Minister. So MPs are now held at ransom. They are not performing their duties without fear or favour."

Sam Basil