A Papua New Guinea government MP has quit in protest over environmental law changes that protect a controversial Chinese-run nickel mine.
Ken Fairweather left government ranks and criticised the recent amendments that prevent land owners challenging approved resource projects, saying it will cause irreversible damage to his electorate.
He says he doesn't want his people in later years to say he did not safeguard their rights when he was in the seat.
Mr Fairweather says procedures were not followed in the passage of the bill.
He says he is not against mining but against environmental damage that may affect the people in the future.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, criticised the media for bias in their reporting on the matter.
