Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the dissemination of fake news by the Post-Courier, following a misleading headline related to court proceedings concerning the Paraka case.
According to reports reaching Prime Minister Marape, the article’s headline ‘Paraka Payment Scam’ was misconstrued from a statement made by Hon. Kerenga Kua in response to re-examination by the defence counsel. Prime Minister Marape emphasised that Hon. Kua did not provide direct evidence but only referred to what was relayed to him by the late Secretary for Justice, Dr. Lawrence Kalinoe, regarding alleged political pressure with no specific names mentioned.
“No name was mentioned by Hon. Kerenga Kua in court linking me, James Marape, to this matter. The Post-Courier has once again misrepresented statements to suit their own editorial narrative,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
He further clarified that his reputation has been built over 18 years of service in elected office and 10 years of public service prior to that, all founded on integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“I have never approved any of the payments made under the Paraka claims process. In fact, I was the last Finance Minister who put a stop to the series of claims and payments. And I was Finance Minister for seven years and people should ask why no other case exists against me. The record is clear,” said Prime Minister Marape.
He added: “I served as Finance Minister for seven years, and there is nothing on record against me. This matter is something I personally took action to stop.
“For the Post-Courier to slander me in this manner is unacceptable. It is disheartening and damaging to my reputation, and I will not rest until I seek restitution.
“It is in the interest of the Post-Courier to apologise for the manner in which they constructed their front page today. Such reckless reporting only serves to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of leaders without due consideration of the facts.
“I expect a formal apology and a retraction of the misleading statements published.”
Prime Minister Marape said that his lawyers have been instructed to write to the Post- Courier demanding a retraction and correction of the misleading article. Should the newspaper fail to issue a correction, legal proceedings will be initiated against them. “This is not just about me as an individual; this is about the integrity of the office I hold. Misleading reports undermine not only my reputation but also the credibility of the public office I hold,” he added.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability and stressed that the matter would be pursued through appropriate legal channels on Post- Courier and the source of their quotations.