I would like to commend the students of the University of PNG for expressing their concerns about political and legal issues facing our country.
This was what NCD Governor Powes Parkop said in a statement released yesterday.
“I also appreciate their commitment to keep their protest or boycott of classes peaceful and orderly and within the confines of the campus last week. It was important for their credibility and for the intent of their protest and also for the higher good of our city and our country.
“Our nation has suffered from bad reputation regionally and globally and it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we change that image with a positive one. The students took this responsibility greatly so I also commend their leadership in staging their protest.
“While it is good to protest and to voice their concerns however, I invite the students to adhere to the law to reach the outcome that they want. By ignoring the law, they are contradicting the very law they seek to uphold and protect.
“They should therefore allow the Electoral Commission to conduct a ballot to ascertain the support of the students for the boycott of classes so the rights of those who do not wish to boycott too can be respected. And if they want to do a protest march to the Prime Minister’s office, they must also seek permission from the peace and good order committee in the city, as this is the body that has legal powers to approve such marches or protest.
“To date, the committee has not received any such request from the students of the University of PNG.”