Post-Courier, Port Moresby, 22 November 2002

Somare suggests penalties

POLITICIANS were urged by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to impose corporal punishment to discipline our societies.

Sir Michael made the suggestion yesterday in Parliament after Manus governor Jacob Jumogot raised concerns about his province becoming a staging point for people selling drugs.

Mr Jumogot said parents had problems with their children especially those coming out of high schools.

He said that even school children were drinking home brew such as "jungle juice."

"Children are now selling drugs in public places and this is becoming a national concern," he said.

Sir Michael said: "I hope that the Government will support a tougher penalty to punish the young people who are engaging in this kind of activities.

"I hope that if good sense prevails we could impose corporal punishment in the country. However, the civilised societies will be against this due to the fact that this is Christian country.

"It is time to change our attitude and discipline our societies," he said.

Sir Michael said the government should not waste time on petty politics but rather concentrate on legislation, which would help the people of this country.

He said: "If other democratic and well advanced countries are imposing corporal punishment, I cannot see why PNG cannot do so."

Follow-up: 4 December 2002 - Further debate needed