Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has acknowledged receiving a petition from the University of Papua New Guinea students this afternoon.
The student body included students from secondary schools in the national capital as well as the Port Moresby Technical College.
In a media statement shortly after receiving the petition from the students, which was delivered to him by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, the Prime Minister said,
“I have received the petition from the UPNG Student Representative Council.
“I thank the students for the mature manner in which the petition was presented to my delegation.
“There are several assertions that are made in the petition for which a considered and detailed brief will be prepared and presented to the UPNG Student Representative Council.
“Considering that several of these matters are before the courts, comment must be carefully considered so as to not undermine court proceedings.
“A number of claims have been made that relate to the national economy for which comprehensive analysis will be provided to students.
“Papua New Guinea is a country in which democratic process is universally cherished and respected by our people.
“Every citizen has the right to speak their mind so long as this is done in a way that does not undermine the rights and safety of others.
“I commend students who have expressed their right to free speech in a responsible manner.”