Petroleum Minister and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina has stepped aside from his ministerial portfolio to attend to a domestic assault matter before an Australian Court.
Jimmy Maladina was arrested over the weekend in Sydney following a domestic dispute. He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday (July 11).
Maladina, 58, was alleged to have assaulted a 31-year-old woman known to him. Police who attended to the matter saw bruises on the woman’s face.
Papua New Guineans woke up to the story published online by the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday (July 7) morning.
Maladina immediately released a statement saying he does not condone any forms of violence and requests privacy for all parties involved in the matter.
“I understand the gravity of the situation and the concerns it raises. As a public servant I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.”
Prime Minister, James Marape through the PM’s Media head, Matrom John advised the media in the morning that “The Australian Authority will have to provide a brief to the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs before the Foreign Affairs Minister briefs the Prime Minister on this matter.”
Late in the afternoon, the Prime Minister then announced the Petroleum Minister’s decision to step aside from his position while a complaint against him is being 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 Prime Minister urged the public to refrain from spreading speculations as this matter is now before a competent prosecutorial process.
The cabinet will appoint a new Minister to act in the position.
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