7 Jan 2003

Warning from the Opposition in PNG over ending free education

6:27 pm on 7 January 2003

The Papua New Guinea Opposition is warning that the abolition of the former Morauta Government's free-education policy may lead to increased law and order problems in the country.

Two weeks out from the start of the school year, the Opposition leader John Muingnepe says the measure is the surest and quickest way to make PNG people poorer.

The National newspaper reports Mr Muingnepe's comments come after the Education Minister, Michael Laimo, announced that school fees would be paid by parents and the government on a partnership basis.

Mr Muingnepe says such a partnership will never work in these hard pressed economic times.

He says the social dichotomy will add fuel to the already uncontrollable law and order situation.