‘Fairweather did right by quitting government’

THE opposition has congratulated Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather on his decision to quit the government over the amendments to the Environment Act 2000 recently passed by Parliament.
Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta said Fairweather’s decision demonstrated his wishes to set aside his political interests and protect PNG and its citizens.
Fairweather, a member of the People’s National Congress, withdrew his support for the government last Wednesday because he did not like the changes to the environment laws.
He described the amendments as a controversial law where proper procedures were not followed in the passage of the bill.
He said the changes, which were bulldozed through Parliament, had taken away the rights of the people to seek justice over the use of their land in court.
According to Fairweather, the amendments meant that the environment director’s decision on environment permits and related issues was final and could not be challenged or reviewed in any court or tribunal, even if companies cause environmental damages through negligence.
Commending the MP’s stand, Sir Mekere called on all concerned leaders in government to reconsider their support for the present leadership.
“We urge other leaders in government, who have genuine concern for the welfare and interest of PNG, to withdraw their support and stand to be counted as true leaders.
“The passage of the Environment Amendment Bill is in the interest of Ramu nickel mine only. It is another example of public policy-making dictated by foreign interests.
“People of PNG will pay dearly for this.
“A band of National Alliance party members, together with the prime minister, have sold this country under the pretext of PNG’s economic gains,” Sir Mekere said.
“In PNG’s national interest, this government should not be allowed to continue in office.”