Police warn MPs Post Courier - July 08,2014, 02:45 am By ISAAC NICHOLAS THE Police Association has warned politicians that it may be forced to use its industrial muscle if they continue to politicise the Royal PNG Constabulary. Association general secretary Clemence Kanau yesterday acknowledged the call by various sectors in the community for the union to take a stand in light of the involvement of police officers but said the union has been cautious as the courts were dealing with the matter. The association also commended Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his stance in relation to the current political saga. Withdrawing of the Supreme Court appeal and accepting the decision of the courts for police to take carriage of their constitutional mandated role is a leadership decision. We applaud the decision of our Prime Minister, Mr Kanau said. However, he stressed the union’s position in that politics should not impede the operations of the police. He said the police should be left alone to carry out its mandated function to uphold the rule of law and to defend the constitution of the country. Already, there had been instances of our members physically confronting each other in a conflicting situation in the name of upholding the rule of law, Mr Kanau said. We want to sound a very stern warning in the strongest possible way to the politicians that we may contemplate utilizing our industrial muscle if need be to stop politicising the police force. The association also refuted a statement by Housing Minister Paul Isikiel who called for the arrest of rogue members of the force. He should shut his mouth and swallow his temporary pride, Mr Kanau said of Mr Isikiel. There are no rogue policemen or women in the police force. Our policemen and women swore an oath to uphold the rule of and the constitution of this country. In fact those who are involved in this case are very senior professional police officers who have served this country for many years with dedication and commitment and they command a lot of respect from rank and file. They represent the core group of dedicated officers who are doing their mandated duties without fear or favour. According to Mr Kanau, MPs should refrain from expressing such sentiments as their actions resulted in the current political crisis. We repeat that politics must stay clear of police operations and politicians must refrain from such inciting comments, Mr Kanau said. It is politicians that have created this unnecessary misdemeanor. They are cherry pickers who are here today and gone tomorrow. The police force is here to stay and police officers will give a lifetime upholding the rule of law and the constitution.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:25:58 +0000