UPNG SRC: We will not back down

The  University of PNG Students’ Representative Council (SRC) has made it clear that the students will not back down from the fight until the prime minister (PM) steps down.

That's the stand the SRC is taking after the Prime Minister O'Neill  failed to respond to their petition .However, the SRC is now keeping its mouth shut to the media as to what's the next course of action. The president Mr. Kenneth Rapa has instructed students to return to their respective provincial groups to discuss the next step.

The UPNG Senate is faced with a tough decision on its hands on what options to take next regarding the institution’s academic year.

“The decision will be tough for the Senate because the members will have to consider the concerns of parents for the future of the children,” said UPNG’s Director of the Public Relations and Event Management Mr. James Robins.

Robins added that it’s even tougher when considering the implication a possible mass withdrawal will have on the academic year for 2017.

After the Senate meeting, a decision will be made on whether to cancel the academic year or to give some time for the students to wrap up what they are doing first before continuing with classes.

Either way, the decision will be passed on to the University Council to rectify it first before it can be made official and that is expected to done by next week.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has said, “There are several assertions that are made in the petitions for which considered and detailed briefs will be prepared and presented to the UPNG and UNITEC Student Representative Councils"

“Considering that several of these matters are before the courts, comment must be carefully considered so as to not undermine court proceedings.

“A number of claims have been made that relate to the national economy for which comprehensive analysis will be provided to students.

“Papua New Guinea is a country in which democratic process is universally cherished and respected by our people.

“Every citizen has the right to speak their mind so long as this is done in a way that does not undermine the rights and safety of others.

“I commend students who have expressed their right to free speech in a responsible manner.”