PNG Government Under Fire as O’Neill Slams Marape Over "Test" Timing and Social Media Crackdown

In a scathing statement, Hon. Peter O’Neill, MP, has criticized the government’s decision to conduct a so-called “test” on the same day Prime Minister James Marape appeared in court as a State witness in the Paraka matter. While Marape attended the court proceedings not as a suspect but as a witness, O’Neill questioned whether the timing of the test was merely coincidental or part of a broader agenda.

 PNG Government Under Fire as O’Neill Slams Marape Over "Test" Timing and Social Media Crackdown

O’Neill voiced concerns shared by many citizens—not just those active on social media—about the troubling nature of recent developments under the Marape administration. He accused Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili of acting on instructions from Marape to suppress social media activity, warning that such actions could deepen public frustration, unhappiness, and mistrust in the government.

The former Prime Minister argued that the Marape-led administration appears intent on introducing legislation that threatens to fundamentally alter not only the nation’s Constitution but also its way of life. Papua New Guinea, he lamented, has become “the laughing stock of the region,” with hastily implemented policies and laws that seem disconnected from reality while the economy continues to deteriorate. Rising debt levels, a spiraling cost of living crisis, evaporating investor confidence, and vanishing jobs paint a grim picture of the country’s current state.

While acknowledging Facebook’s challenges, O’Neill emphasized its role as a critical outlet for citizens to express their frustrations amid growing discontent over the nation’s direction. The platform, he noted, also serves as a valuable tool for fostering social connections, sharing ideas, conducting business, and disseminating information.

Instead of micromanaging public discourse, O’Neill urged the government to prioritize addressing the pressing issues plaguing the nation. He highlighted a long list of unfulfilled promises, including reopening mines, initiating major projects, repaying mounting debts, improving education systems, and revitalizing healthcare services suffering from years of neglect.

“Marape should stop trying to be tricky and let our country flourish,” O’Neill declared. “Let us live up to our potential instead of embarrassing ourselves with draconian and misguided ideas.” 

As tensions rise, the statement underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s priorities and calls for renewed focus on rebuilding the nation’s economic foundation and restoring public trust.

Concerns Raised Over PNG Police Testing of Social Media Technology Without Regulatory Oversight