Sir Mekere Morauta's accusations are baseless

Sir Mekere came up with the press statement and accuse the PM for stopping the protest. He sees himself as a smart ash and upholds the notion of our Constitution which primarily promotes freedom of speech. But if you look closely at Mekere's history when he was the prime minister in 2001/2002, you will notice how cunning he was to cling onto power.

Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea prime minister

He used the police to stop the protest march by UPNG students to the Parliament House to petition the government on privatisation program. The students got the approval from police.

I remember very clearly at the time because I was at the scene doing live crosses for FM 100 news. When the students and general public gathered along the drive, close to the old Pineapple House and Morauta House, the then SRC President Mologan called the PM to come to receive the petition. But Mekere bluntly told the nation, "I will not drag the office of the Prime Minister to the streets."

He never turned up to receive the petition and Molagan, in front of the crowd burnt the petition. Sadly, the PM ordered the police to move in at dusk when the students, general public and children were gathering and opened fired, killing three students.

Mekere Morauta, Papua New Guinea opposition leader

That day was called "Black Thursday". Is this the same Mekere Morauta? Mekere does not respect freedom of Speech and now he is attacking the PM. Mekere should die and go to hell together with Sir Somare.

I do not have any respect for both of them. They are power hungry and attacking each other on a personal note, and not for the good of the nation.

Mathew Yakai,

Madang, Papua New Guinea