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Marape calls for community restraint

Marape
James Marape, Ian Ling-Stuckey, Bryan Kramer & other key supporters - "Let us not attack fundamental institutions of our democracy"

KEITH JACKSON

NOOSA – Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape has pleaded on Facebook for people not believe toxic rumours circulating in the community as the fight for the leadership of PNG continues.

“Facebook or public conversation forums are no place for allegations of crime or wrong doings,” Marape said, referring to unsubstantiated text messages purporting to be communications between some lawyers and politicians.

He said that he had asked police to investigate the matter and urged citizens who have evidence of wrongdoing to first take it to the police.

“In today’s age of speed and craftiness, misinformation or misuse of information will cause harm to our nation’s image,” he said. “Think about your country’s future and not just today.”

Clearly referring to the heightened tension as PNG’s political drama continues, Marape asked his “staff and supporters and my side of political debates to be kind, courteous, considerate and act with restraint.

“Lawyers are there to do their job, newspapers and reporters are there to do their job,” he said.

‘Our judiciary is there to do its job and we must not question its rulings in the media or elsewhere except the courtroom,” Marape advised.

“For one thing I would like to protect in my life is freedom of responsible press and independence of our nation’s judiciary.

“Let us not attack and demean the judiciary, they are our hope in this nation of many divides.

“You and I can play politics but please let us not attack fundamental institutions of our democracy.”

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