Marape backs PM’s call for tougher penalties

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 3rd May 2013

 LEADER of government business James Marape is supporting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s decision to introduce tougher penalties for serious crimes.

Marape, who is also the Minister for Finance and Education, said PNG needed a tougher legislation and a consistent implementation and management of the laws by the police, judiciary and correctional services.

He said all law-abiding citizens must stand with the government and say “enough is enough”to the minority who continued to break the laws.

He said as a responsible government, they would get the tougher penalties passed in parliament.

“You elected us to make laws, we will pass laws to make it hard for those who feel they can get away with breaking the laws, be it white-collar or petty crimes, while the focus is on rapists and murderers.

“Our country cannot watch the decline of law and order in society under the excuse of economic poverty, Christian ethics or any other reason because victims are crying, mothers, daughters and children cannot live freely after dark.”