In the wake of multiple terror attacks on Paris, France, the Opposition Leader Don Polye has cautioned the government to tighten internal security in the country.
“Terrorism-related attacks ranging from the Sydney Siege to Paris attacks should not be taken for granted but as a warning for the country to build our own security capacity,” said Mr Polye.
He said when they were in government, tightening the country’s security capacity would be one of its priorities.
He has queried whether the government had already at least mobilised resources and efforts to tighten national security in light of the Sydney siege in PNG’s neighbouring soil, citing underfunding of the core agencies of the national security.
“The terrorism surveillances are among the priority security issues of our closest neighbours Australia and New Zealand among others. What is our position on this issue?” asked Mr Polye.
With PNG hosting APEC in 2018 and Women’s under 20 Soccer World cup only months away, he said with less effort on national security was a concern in the minds of many, asking what was the guarantee that the participants would be safe.
Mr Polye said PNG had a lot to tap into the potential, in particularly security aspects, that her bilateral arrangements with France, England, the US, Australia, New Zealand among others provide.
“The National Intelligence Organisation is defunct yet the Prime Minister is beating his chest with PNG’s security being improved is a laughing stock,” said Mr Polye.
Mr Polye reiterated that Mr O’Neill’s security was impregnable as he had many security officers protecting him
He said, however, the Opposition was concerned about the security of the public, participants of the events and the business community.