Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo and former Minister for Trade Samson Samsen have welcomed a police complaint lodged over allegations involving the Value Addition Investment Capital Fund, saying they support investigations into the matter.
Police have confirmed to VBTC News that they received the complaint yesterday. The complaint was lodged by Opposition Whip MP Andrew Wilbur Napuat and names Mr. Koanapo, Mr. Samsen and MP John William Timakata.
Speaking to VBTC News, Mr. Koanapo, who is also President of the Vanuaku Party, said he welcomed the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in examining allegations surrounding the use of public funds.
He said the Vanuaku Party remains committed to fighting corruption and promoting good governance, transparency and accountability.
“The Vanuaku Party, as an institution, has very strict principles on addressing corruption, good governance, transparency and accountability whenever it is in government. I welcome the work the Public Accounts Committee is doing because it has the fundamental duty of upholding transparency and accountability and holding the government to account.”
Mr. Koanapo said while the PAC has an important oversight role, members must exercise responsibility when handling information presented before the committee.
“I want to call on the Speaker of Parliament and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee to ensure members act responsibly when using privileged information presented before the committee. They must be cautious in the way they address the public because it is clear there is a lot of political propaganda aimed at discrediting the Government.”
Former Trade Minister Samson Samsen also told VBTC News that he welcomed the police complaint and supported the investigation process.
VBTC News also contacted MP John William Timakata for comment but received no response.
