Opposition Leader Don Polye has assured the Prime Minister that the Opposition has always been matured in addressing issues affecting the country.
His remarks follow PM Peter O’Neill’s call on the Opposition to show maturity and try not to politicise important national events, especially APEC 2018.
O’Neill made the comments after Opposition member, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, stated that the K600 million earmarked for APEC can be used to fund crucial government services.
However, Polye guarantees the PM that they understand the issues well.
He said O’Neill should not overlook the real issues under the guise of international events.
“Our people have seen that infrastructure development for the Pacific Games is a testimony of that.
“The funds for the game’s infrastructure were used as a cash cow.
“Under the guise of building the infrastructure whilst our people suffer, companies owned by the politicians were engaged to benefit,” Polye said.
This is the crux of the issue, says the Opposition Leader.
Polye has called on the Prime Minister to refrain from mixing politics with harsh realities affecting the people.
A balance, he said, must be struck between the issues affecting the country and international events.
“International events must not be used as an avenue to enrich the businesses owned by those in authority,” says Polye.
The awarding of contract, valuing more than K150 million, for the APEC Haus to a certain contractor, is a fine example of that, he claims.
Polye states that this habit should be stopped for the betterment of the country.