PNG Defence Force Minister dismisses claims by Opposition leader Belden Namah

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Defence, Dr Fabian Pok has out rightly denied claims made by the leader of the Opposition, Beldan Namah, on PNGDF soldiers engaging in providing security to politicians, as bodyguards.

The Minister cautioned the country’s leaders to refrain from conceiving political statements that were defamatory in nature to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, stating that at most times; these statements were based on assumptions and not facts.

Dr Pok, in his address to the media, dismissed claims by Namah and other hearsay, pertaining to the Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday where the PM is alleged, by Namah, to have had security provided by PNGDF soldiers.

He said that the PNGDF had received bad publicity over the years and it was inevitable that public perception on the matter should be as such, that demeans the force and all it stands for.

The Minister stated that the PNGDF conducts military surveillance of the 200 mile exclusive economic zone or EEZ, delivers frontline aid and support during humanitarian and natural disasters and is mandated by the nation’s constitution to effectuate the guarding of the country’s sovereignty; placing emphasis on professional and codes of conduct for military personnel.

He warned that comments, such as that of Mr Namah, further contributed to tarnishing the reputation of the PNGDF and was discourteous to the efforts made to improve the military’s image.

He added that such claims also fuelled the distrust of the international and local business community and investors who would be compelled to think lowly of the PNGDF and caused the public to lose confidence in the force.

Dr Pok, affirmed the loyal stance of the PNGDF to the government, reiterating that the military remained neutral on the issue of the Supreme Court’s decision on the Prime Minister’s arrest warrant and the powers of the Commissioner for the Royal Police Constabulary.

He added that the military did not want to be included in matters that were not line with its core objectives and raison d'être 'reason for existence'.

PNG Today/ EMTV