The Opposition is calling on Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to step down and address the law and order issues in his own province.
The Opposition, in a media conference this afternoon, said O'Neill's leadership has been tarnished when his own people burnt a Link PNG aircraft yesterday to show their frustrations.
The Opposition has expressed disappointment on the burning down of the aircraft along with the courthouse and the Governor’s residence.
Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch said such behaviour demonstrated by the people clearly indicated the lack of confidence the people have on their leaders, especially the Prime Minister, who is from the province.
For the first in the history of this country, a government owned plane was burnt by the people.
Pruaitch added that with four months away from the APEC Summit, such actions demonstrated by the people of Southern Highlands was uncalled for.
“We are calling on Prime Minister to step down and go back to his province and address the so many issues in the province.”
He claimed that such actions revealed how illegal the 2017 election was conducted in that part of the province.
Meantime, shadow Minister for Attorney General and Sinasina Yongumugl MP, Kerenga Kua, has appealed to the people of Southern Highlands to restrain from such attitude and follow procedure to address their issues amicably.
In support of Pruaitch, Kua also called on the Prime Minister to step down and allow for a peace talk among his people.
He reiterated that the actions demonstrated by the people of Southern Highlands yesterday were just the tip of the iceberg.
However, the PM responded by saying: “We are not elected by minority of the people, these are actions of a few individuals and they will be brought to justice.
“It is irresponsible for Opposition to politicize what is a terrorist action by losing candidates who have been funded by Opposition,” claimed PM O’Neill.
“The same problem existed in 2002 when there was failed elections when National Alliance was in government and therefore their actions and talk is hypocritical.”
(The Opposition during today’s press conference)
