2025 LEGAL YEAR OPENS, PNG LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGES
BY Benjamin KOITAKA
THE 2025 Legal Year has formally commenced today, with a dedication service hosted for all Judicial Service and the Legal Fraternity members in the National Capital District.
Under the theme, ‘Enhancing public confidence in the Judiciary’, the event was witnessed by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Gibuma Salika, Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, Chief Magistrate Mark Pupaka, Justice & Attorney General minister Pila Niningi, magistrates, lawyers, judges and legal practitioners.
PNG Law Society President Hubert Namani has urged all magistrates, lawyers and judges to do their jobs diligently and serve the justice without fear or favour.
Mr. Namani further highlighted the critical challenges facing the rule of law, emphasizing the need for reforms, accountability, and collective action to strengthen legal institutions and uphold justice in the nation.
Mr. Namani emphasized the urgent need to address the alarming rise in lawlessness across the nation, which he described as a significant threat to democracy and justice.
He invoked the tragic loss of two police officers in the Upper Highlands and expressed deep concern over the normalization of violence among youth, particularly in regions affected by conflict.
“It is imperative that we acknowledge the underlying causes of this violence, including socioeconomic disparities, lack of education, and barriers to the justice system,” Namani stated.
He called for a national dialogue aimed at developing comprehensive solutions to restore safety and equity within society.
Mr. Namani also addressed the concerning state of the electoral process in the country, highlighting ongoing irregularities and the urgent need for reforms.
“The best gift the Government can give to our people as we look to the next 50 years and beyond is a reformed electoral process—a system that ensures every citizen’s vote counts.”
Mr Namani stressed the importance of transparency in public expenditure and the critical role of law enforcement agencies, which are currently hampered by under-resourcing.
“Law and order must be a key priority, and it must be adequately resourced,” he urged.
Mr. Namani recognized the legacy of the late Sir Julius Chan and encouraged legal professionals to uphold the principles of justice and fairness that the nation was founded upon.
He called on the judiciary to maintain high standards and not succumb to external pressures.
Mr. Namani reiterated the need for collective action among the legal fraternity and expressed gratitude towards international partners for their support in advocating for the rule of law.
“The rule of law must prevail,” he declared, invoking the wisdom of Proverbs 21:15, reminding the audience that, “when justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
The event was hosted at the St. Martin Anglican Church at East Boroko today, Monday, 3rd of February.
