Letter to the Minister of Defence

Below is a letter to Minister of Defence. I've not found an email address for him yet and if anyone could help that will be much appreciated. Till then, if you agree with the sentiments please print and send the letter to the Minister at the address below and to the national newspapers or any potentially effective forum.

Minister of Defence Mr Bob Dadae

c/o The Ministry of Defence

P.O. Parliament House

Waigani, NCD, Papua New Guinea (as at http://www.parliament.gov.pg/)

Again, I encourage sending letters either by your real identity or under pseudonym if you feel unsafe to do the former. What matters is showing the numbers in discontent. I would also encourage you to step-up efforts and get other people involved. Forward the letter (or letters so far) and address to your contact list or forward this link, whichever way you think would get more people demanding transparency and accountability from the government.


Dear Minister,

I am writing this letter as a concerned Papua New Guinean to implore you to table the Defence Force Board of Inquiry’s Moti Report in Parliament.

As the Minister of Defence, the discretion to table the Report lies with you. I believe that this discretion is to be exercised in the nation’s best interest, and as a citizen of this nation, I believe that it would be in the nation’s best interest to officially publish the Moti Inquiry’s Report directly. Such an action would promote accountability and transparency, both fundamental principles of democracy, in the Government.

It is evident from the opinions of the public expressed through letters to the national newspapers, talkback radio, Internet discussions and other forums of public discourse, that many Papua New Guineans strongly demand a thorough and conclusive investigation into the issue. This, Mr Dadae, can only succeed once you have officially tabled the Report. There is no evidence that the Report is being currently contested in Court, therefore, I believe your discretion as to the Report’s publication should be exercised without delay.

I recognise that as a Minister, you must be cautious in your handling of this issue as it directly involves the Prime Minister, who has discretion over your position within Government. However, I implore you to be a true representative of the people and to uphold the laws of this country by tabling the Moti Inquiry’s Report. To withhold the Report from publication only serves to accelerate Papua New Guineans’ growing loss of confidence in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government.

I ask that you make the decision to table the Report with the best interests of this nation at heart and that you are not swayed by the interests of individuals. In the event that you further delay publication of the Report or refuse its publication, I request transparency and that you publicly state your reasons for doing so.

I place my faith in you and your office to make the right decision and remain hopeful that the voices of Papua New Guineans are heard and represented in Parliament.

Yours Sincerely,

Kumul Karai