27 Mar 2012

PNG Student leader dismisses regionalism claims by Attorney General

10:37 am on 27 March 2012

The Papua New Guinea university student leader who led a protest last week over the controversial Judicial Conduct Act dismisses claims by the Attorney General Allan Marat that the action is prompted by students from Enga Province.

Dr Marat says the bill, rushed through Parliament last week, will better define the role and conduct of judges.

It follows repeated efforts by the government to suspend Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, who is from Enga.

But student leader Nou Vada says UPNG students from across the country are united in wanting the measure withdrawn.

He says Mr Marat's claims are reckless.

"I don't know what Dr Marat's objectives are. The situation right now in the country now is very volatile. Unfounded claims of regionalism on the part of UPNG students it's very very dangerous. We're right now a united cause. I'm not from Enga, I'm a Papuan. My colleague who helped me prepare the petition is a Sepik. We work together because we are UPNG students."