02/07/2026
ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT EVIDENCE AS MASERE HAS CLEARED BY DUE PROCESS
From NSO Office, Minister Masere Rebuts Mr Steven Wameitcher Narawen Unevident Social Media Allegations
In our democratic system, accountability must be pursued through lawful institutions, not trial by rumor. The recent allegations surrounding the K15.2 million census tablet procurement have been amplified by social media and political opponents, yet they remain unsubstantiated. Minister Richard Masere has faced inquiries by the Ombudsman Commission the constitutional body mandated under the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership and no findings of misconduct have been made against him. In a nation governed by law, repetition of accusations cannot replace evidence.
The procurement of census tablets was not a unilateral ministerial decision. It was managed under the National Procurement Act 2018, through the National Procurement Commission (NPC). The NPC was established to insulate procurement from political interference, with contracts above K1 million requiring NPC oversight and those above K10 million requiring National Executive Council approval. These multi-layered safeguards make it extremely difficult for any politician to corrupt procurement decisions.
1). Allegations vs. Evidence
Rebuttal: Allegations alone cannot substitute for evidence. The Ombudsman Commission, mandated under the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties & Responsibilities of Leadership, interviewed Minister Masere and conducted inquiries. To date, no findings of misconduct have been made against him.
Supporting Fact: The Ombudsman Commission annually handles ~2,000 complaints, ensuring compliance with leadership standards, but only publishes findings when wrongdoing is established.
2). Ombudsman Commission Inquiry
Rebuttal: Minister Masere cooperated fully with the Ombudsman Commission. The absence of adverse findings demonstrates adherence to due process.
Supporting Fact: Calls for resignation by North Fly MP James Donald were political in nature, citing delays and logistical issues, but did not present evidence of corruption.
3). Procurement Oversight
Rebuttal: The procurement of census tablets was managed by the National Procurement Commission (NPC), established under the National Procurement Act 2018. Projects above K1 million fall under NPC oversight, ensuring transparency and independence from ministerial interference.
Supporting Fact: The NPC operates under strict thresholds and bidding rules, with contracts above K10 million requiring NEC approval, reinforcing multi-layered safeguards.
4). UNFPA Technical Support
Rebuttal: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provided technical support to the census, ensuring international standards in data collection and procurement processes.
Supporting Fact: UNFPA has a long-standing partnership with PNG in population data and governance, reinforcing credibility.
5). NSO Communication Failures
Rebuttal: Confusion stemmed from poor communication by the National Statistical Office (NSO), not misconduct. The NSO confirmed that tablets were procured lawfully in 2024 after funding was released, and distributed nationwide for the census.
Supporting Fact: Earlier census materials worth K15m were destroyed in a warehouse fire, but tablets were procured later and not affected.
6). Comparisons with Other Cases
Rebuttal: Linking Masere’s case to unrelated corruption cases (e.g., Paraka) is misleading. Each case must be judged on its own evidence and merits.
Supporting Fact: PNG’s procurement law emphasizes non-discrimination, transparency, and fairness in evaluating tenders.
7). Corruption vs. Due Process
Rebuttal: While corruption is a serious issue in PNG, combating it requires respecting due process. Trial by social media undermines lawful institutions and public trust.
Supporting Fact: The NPC has introduced electronic government procurement (e-GP) systems to improve transparency and accountability.
Risks & Clarifications
Political narratives (e.g., YouTube exposés alleging family connections) remain unverified and risk conflating rumor with fact.
Institutional safeguards (NPC, Ombudsman Commission, UNFPA oversight) demonstrate that procurement was not a unilateral ministerial decision.
Public accountability requires strengthening NSO communication and digital governance reforms, not scapegoating individuals without evidence.
Minister Masere’s rebuttal stands on solid ground. Allegations lack substantiated evidence, procurement was managed under lawful institutions, and oversight bodies have not found misconduct. The real issue lies in communication gaps and political opportunism, not corruption.
It is affirms that Minister Richard Masere has not been found guilty of wrongdoing. Allegations without evidence must not be weaponized to destroy reputations. Papua New Guinea’s governance system is layered with checks and balances as the NPC, NEC, Ombudsman Commission, and international partners like UNFPA. These institutions make it is 100% difficult for a single politician to corrupt procurement processes managed by lawful governance structures.
Corruption remains a national challenge, but accountability must be pursued through lawful institutions, not trial by rumor. Minister Masere’s rebuttal stands on solid ground: procurement was lawful, oversight was independent, and no misconduct has been established. Justice demands that we respect due process and protect the integrity of our institutions.
