Deputy Opposition Leader

Tomuriesa raised this issue on the floor of Parliament today and further called for the overhauling of the selection process with the Higher Education on Grade 12 school leavers.

He said parents have invested more on their children and expected them to make it to higher institutions but that’s not the case after scoring good marks in their Grade 12 examinations.

Deputy Opposition Leader Timothy Masiu has described the decision by Minister for High Education, Science & Technology, Pila Niningi, to suspend the University Council and the acting Vice Chancellor, as an act of sabotage at the country’s highest learning institution.

He said the country’s top cream of students enter UPNG as one of the highest learning institution of the land and their studies cannot be jeopardised by petty politics of individuals.

The South Bougainville MP said recent incidents of violence and anti-social activities throughout Bougainville are undoubtedly sending the wrong signal to PNG and the international community.

“In terms of some of the killings and some destruction of properties and the general law and order situation on Bougainville, I’m just so worried because referendum is approaching and yet the people have not seen the real value of referendum.”

Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Deputy Opposition Leader, Timothy Masiu, said it addresses a lot of issues that have been lingering in the minds of Bougainvilleans, especially in regards to the issue of the Referendum Commission and the restoration development grants funding.

“On behalf of the Opposition and as Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs, I’m delighted that the ABG and the National Government can agree to some of the issues and move forward.”

Basil argued that Indonesia is a country known for being corrupt and dangerous. Also, PNG should understand that we share common borders with Indonesia.

Basil continues to question whether the printing of ballot papers in Indonesia will include printing of the names of electorates and provincial seats.

He pointed out that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is yet to answer these questions. 

Pangu Party and Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Basil, is appealing to all the 4,000 intending candidates to join the campaign to mount a legal challenge against the proposed laws.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently confirmed his plans to increase the candidate nomination fee from K1,000 to K10,000, and fees for election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.

Basil made the call yesterday alongside Member for Goilala, William Samb, in a media conference.

Samb has come on board to support Pangu Party and Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Basil, to challenge the proposed nomination and election petition fee amendments in court.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently confirmed his plans to increase the candidate nomination fee from K1,000 to K10,000, and fees for election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.

O’Neill claims that amendments are necessary as elections were costly and the increase would assist Electoral Commission to generate funds in instances of costs in running the elections.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently reaffirmed his plans to increase the candidate nomination fee from K1,000 to K10,000, and fees for election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.

Basil highlighted that the proposed amendments are wrong and unconstitutional.

They will mount an immediate court challenge and have that law stayed by the court, and determine whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional.