PNG Defence Force commander Commodore Peter Ilau has denied any element of “insubordination” in his response to a suggestion that two army bases be move to the border with Indonesia to monitor security and illegal activities.
In a statement through public relations officer Capt Thomas Kilala, Cmdr Ilau said: “PNGDF’s main responsibility is to make sure some of the security issues (concerning the country) are properly explained and advised to the Government of the day.”
He said that he had no intention of disobeying the National Government, adding that at the end of the day, the PNGDF would carry out whatever decision made by the National Government.
Capt Kilala said Cmdr Ilau called Forest Minister Belden Namah yesterday and apologised.
Cmdr Ilau had commented that it would be a costly affair to relocate the two bases from Vanimo to the border after Mr Namah initiated a submission on it to the cabinet.
On Friday, Mr Namah told a press conference that Cmdr Ilau’s role as head of the PNG Defence Force was to implement Government directions.
“He has no right to question government decisions,” he said and described Cmdr Ilau’s comments as “insubordination in nature”.