Protect whistle blowers

Opposition leader James Nomane says the PNG Defense Force soldiers who blew the whistle about flaws in the recruitment process must be protected.

Nomane says the current outcry by this small minority is not an isolated situation, but an outcome of sustained political interference and institutional decay within the Force.

The Opposition also called on Prime Minister James Marape to sack the Secretary of Defense, Chief of Defense and his deputy.

In a statement released this morning, the Opposition leader spoke highly of the PNG Defence Force personnel who revealed videos of alleged recruitment flaws in the Military’s system.

MP Nomane says these lone soldiers defended the nation to stop the systematic corruption uncovered through the videos posted on social media.

The Opposition leader highlighted that the Government must not protect political actors but get to the bottom of this failure and restore the integrity of this institution.

MP Nomane believes the soldiers implicated must not removed from the force. He wants the inquiry into the recruitment process be completed.

Meanwhile, the Opposition leader urged that the Prime Minister be excluded from the Defence Council.

Nomane says competent individuals must be appointed and not those directly involved.

While calling on Prime Minister James Marape to make decisive decisions over this matter, the Opposition leader reiterated that this political mess must be resolved and the PNG Defence Force remain a professional institution, free from political interference and be trusted.