Attack on Foreign couple an act of Hooligans, not PNG's : Polye

Papua New Guinea Opposition leader Don Polye  has condemned the attack on foreign tourists  along the famous Kokoda track. He described the  attack  on the couple as ‘an act of hooligans and is not the country’s representation.’

Condemning the attack on the tourists, Opposition Leader said it painted a bad image of the country abroad at the time when the country is preparing to host the International Women’s Under 19 soccer tournament and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting among others.

“I felt angry with the culprits when I read about the attack online in a daily newspaper in the United Kingdom.

“Such vicious act of one or two has time and time again tarnished the country’s reputation and that our tourism and hospitality sector is at stake,” said an angry Polye.

He said PNG was part of the global community which was striving for public peace and order, and that there was no place for such culprits to hide behind the curtains to bring the country down to its knees.

He assured the United States Embassy and the British High Commission that the Opposition would work together with the authorities to do justice to the victims.

Polye has commended the police for acting swiftly to identify the suspects for possible arrests.

“Our global reputation is our wealth and pride. Our alternative government will not tolerate such to happen in front of our nose when we are in government,” he said.

The Opposition Leader they would legislate tougher penalties to deter such ‘animalistic act of a few.’

Opposition’s shadow Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Raicoast MP James Gau has rubbished an overseas media report, describing Papua New Guineans as ‘cannibals.’ 

“We are the most peace-loving and friendly people on earth so come and see it for yourself without believing in stereo-type comments,” said Mr Gau.