Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has again reiterated that state owned companies are managed independently and not being politicized.
O’Neill told Loop PNG that claims by Opposition leader Don Polye and Concerned Professionals spokesperson Captain James Makop on the sacking of eight Air Niugini pilots lacked evidence.
“Again their claims are absolutely false claims without any evidence, the state owned companies are managed independently.
“Politicians and intending candidates should stop using professionals and students for their political games,” O’Neill told Loop PNG.
Concerned professionals spokesperson, Captain James Makop and Opposition leader Don Polye claimed that Air Niugini management’s decision to sack the eight pilots was made under duress.
Makop told Loop PNG that the decision was presumptuous and was against certain regulations and principles.
And Polye in a statement said he was concerned with the manner in which Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government were engaged in a witch-hunt to suppress those who stood up to protect the country’s rule of law, institutions, democracy and to fight corruption.
However, O’Neill said the action of Air Niugini pilots, which resulted in many flights being cancelled in the month of July, is a company issue.
“If you do not go to work, you are breaching your employment contract and you will be dealt with (by the company) as simple as that (because) it is not an industrial issue,” O’Neill said.
Air Niugini chief executive officer, Simon Foo, said the actions of the pilots have caused Air Niugini’s image and branding, resulting in the airline losing valued customers to the opposition airlines.
He said pilots who reported sick were requested to consult the company doctor to verify their claims, but this did not eventuate which resulted in the management coming up with the decision to terminate them.