Yawari was recently accused by PNG’s Ombudsman Commission of misusing public funds and failing to accurately disclose personal income details, according to AAP. The case was subsequently referred to the public prosecutor.

In response, landowners in the Southern Highlands region have threatened to shut down Oil Search’s massive Kutubu operation unless the referral of Yawari’s case to the public prosecutor is withdrawn.

They have also threatened to stop negotiations regarding the pipeline project, which is drawing closer to a project sanction decision, expected before the end of the year.

A formal protest, said to be signed by 226 landowner group chairmen, is expected to be lodged with the Ombudsman and the national government this week, according to the Post –Courier newspaper. Landowner leaders are expected in Port Moresby today to voice their protest.

Yawari has also launched court action over his referral on the grounds that his explanations on the allegations were ignored, according to AAP.

Yawari was also reported to have issued a brazen warning to the government about “disturbing” his role in the Southern Highlands region.

“Southern Highlands is a very important province, don't come and disturb me, it might disturb the gas project,” he said.