A senior PNG minister has stepped aside from his cabinet posts to allow police in Australia to investigate a complaint of assault filed by his wife.
Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina, also the caretaker Energy minister, said he was surrendering both portfolios while dealing with court action initiated by his wife against him after a dispute between the couple at Bondi, Sydney.
Mr Maladina will appear before the Waverley court in Sydney on July 11 for alleged assault. His wife has also applied for an Apprehended Violence Order.
In a statement released to the press, Mr Maladina emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of good governance and respecting the legal process.
He expressed his confidence in the Australian judiciary’s ability to hear the matter independently and objectively, and he thanked the New South Wales Police officers who responded to the incident for their professionalism.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has agreed to Mr Maladina’s decision to step aside, and a replacement for the Ministry for Petroleum and Energy will be announced in due course.
Mr Marape, in a short statement said, “I want to inform everyone that Minister Maladina has offered to step aside from his ministerial office as he attends to the complaint as it is heard in court in Australia.
“I thank Minister Maladina for taking responsibility to uphold his name and the integrity of the public office he holds in a professional manner in respecting the judicial process to run its course.
“I had my discussion with the Minister, and as a responsible government that respects the Rule of Law, we uphold high standards. Minister Maladina stepping aside is appreciated,” said PM Marape.
“The police and courts in Australia will do their job so we await and see the outcome.” This development comes at a critical time for the government, as it navigates a range of domestic and international challenges, including ongoing debates surrounding climate change, energy policy, and economic growth.
“As has been reported in news and social media, police in Sydney responded to an altercation involving myself and another person over the weekend,” Mr Maladina said.
“This matter is before the court’s so there is not a lot that can be said publicly right now. I will make the general point that violence perpetrated by either a man, or violence by a woman, cannot be tolerated.
“While this matter is heard I have advised the Prime Minister that I will step aside from my ministerial position awaiting the outcome of the court.
“The Prime Minister has agreed to this course of action and we both agree that perceptions and respect for process are crucial for good governance.
“I have faith in the Australian judiciary to hear this matter independently and objectively.
“I further thank the New South Wales police officers who attended to this matter for the professional way in which they conducted their duties, and they have a process to follow in these matters.
“We will all have our day in court and I look forward to the facts of the matter being presented.”
Mr Maladina is 58 years old and is a first-time member of Parliament as well as the current serving Esa’ala MP. The arrest of the Minister has kicked started a firestorm in PNG with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird calling on Mr Marape to “decommission the minister”.
Mr Bird also applauded the swift response of the Australian police.
Mr Bird said: “The arrest of Mr Maladina by Australian Police is deeply concerning and embarrassing to the entire country.
“Violence against women in PNG has reached pandemic proportions and our women and girls continue to live in fear.
“While Mr Maladina is deemed innocent until proven otherwise, I call on PM Marape to decommission the minister pending the outcome of the court proceedings, “ Mr Bird said.