Prime Minister Peter O'Neill Hypocritical on localization of OK Tedi Mine : Polye

PNG Opposition leader Don Polye says Prime Minister O'Neill
Hypocritical on localization of Ok Tedi Mine

PORT MORESBY: Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye blasted the Prime Minister for being the biggest hypocrite regarding the Ok Tedi Mine's so-called "nationalisation programme".
Mr Polye accused the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of undermining Papua New Guinean and local professionals and experts in the awarding of positions in the Ok Tedi mine operations.
He made in a statement the point of the Government's favouring outside business interests ahead of the best interest of the people and the nation when the Prime Minister decided to appoint an expatriate as head of the nation's mine.
The Opposition Leader, who has previously worked at the mine as a contractor before becoming an MP, said he knew about the whole mine's operations, adding it does present a challenging experience for Papua New Guineans but it is not insurmountable by Papua New Guineans!
Polye said the Opposition had done ample research on Papua New Guineans, professionals and technicians and found that they are even more capable than expatriates.
Mr. Polye blasted the Prime Minister (PM) and his government for not giving the top job of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Direct of Ok Tedi Mine to a Papua New Guinean.
"The truth that the Prime Minister "gifted" the top job to an expatriate simply means that the PM's claim to believe in PNG professionals and managers is an absolute falsehood and he has demonstrated himself to be a fake and phony PM!
"The PM has been nationalising the Ok Tedi Mine, giving the impression that he has been doing it for Papua New Guineans and for national interest. Now the truth reveals that he has been so desperate to serve foreigners and his own persons of interest - what an embarrassment!" he said.
Mr. Polye called on all state authorities to observe closely what Mr O'Neill is doing with the Ok Tedi Mine under the disguise of "national interest".
"I call on Mr. O'Neill to reverse his position and ensure a capable Papua New Guinean is appointed as head of Ok Tedi Mine Operations. Mr O'Neill will not run out of capable Papua New Guineans to fill the position of CEO of Ok Tedi", urged Mr Polye.