OPPOSITION LEADER Sir Mekere Morauta has described the alleged assassination plot against former Attorney General, Dr Allan Marat MP, as a most worrying development in PNG politics.

Sir Mekere called on the police and relevant law-enforcing agencies to urgently investigate the matter.

He expressed concern that the apparent plot to kill Dr Marat was linked to Dr Marat’s statements against the government in which he exposed corruption and criticised aspects of the multi-billion kina liquefied natural gas and Ramu nickel projects.

“It is a very serious and frightening development if the government or its agents are using such measures to silence critics,” Sir Mekere said.

“The revelation of an assassination plot against Dr Allan Marat should not be taken lightly. It is a very serious matter that demands most immediate and appropriate action by relevant state agencies.

“Why should elected leaders who speak their mind freely on issues of national importance be subject to threats?” the former prime minister asked.

“This is a serious matter. It involves life and death. Therefore it calls for immediate police action to investigate and establish the validity of the assassination plot and take immediate measures to both counter it and deal with any perpetrators,” he said.

“At the same time I urge leaders not to be deterred by such tactics. They should strengthen our resolve to expose the evils of the current Government, not silence us.”