OPPOSITION leader Belden Namah demanded clarification from Prime Ministers in a question without notice to clarify why some companies in the country are trying to enforce Covid-19 vaccination as compulsory.
Namah referring to a statement made by Prime Minister James Marape on the floor of parliament that vaccination is not compulsory but the companies are at liberty to protect their business and welfare.
He said this is opening doors to companies to abuse the law and deprive people’s rights to liberty.
“Whose interest are we protecting, are we protecting the interest, the freedom and the welfare of our people or are we representing the interest of companies operating in our country. Companies are imposing laws on workers and they (workers) are losing jobs. People’s rights, freedoms and welfare have been affected. Can James Marape tell us clearly what his government’s policy on vaccination is, we cannot say vaccination are not compulsory but companies are at liberty? You are leaving the doors open for abuse.
“As the government you must come out clearly and make a stand and say there is only one law. You cannot have two laws one for our people and one for the business interest,” said Namah.
He was referring to the previous statement made by Prime Minister that vaccine is compulsory but companies are at liberty to protect their business and welfare at the workplace.
Responding to Opposition leader Belden Namah’s questions without notice, Prime Minister James Marape said, “I don’t take advice from the Opposition” and the vaccination remains voluntary in PNG.
“The government policy on vaccination is in place. It is government’s responsibility to make vaccines available throughout the country for those who opt to be vaccinated. We respect the rights of every citizen to decide whether they want to get vaccinated or not. In work place, different employers have their work place safety requirements. It is the responsibility of that work place to what is good for their work place,” said Marape.
He said all citizens have rights but the right is a qualified right that comes with a responsibility. And it is our responsibility to respect the rights of every individual.
“The companies operate under companies Act and also the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They have the right to decide on the workplace safety for their companies,” said Marape.
James Marape further said we need our economy to be functional so the government is making decisions that is balanced to ensure the safety of the people as well as keeping the economy running.
