Despite sustained criticism, the speaker of Papua New Guinea's parliament appears intent on continuing with his plan to rid the institution of what he has called idolatrous cultural artefacts.
Theodore Zurenuoc has released a long statement justifying why he ordered the removal of carved wooden heads and a large totem pole from the parliament building earlier this month.
Mary Baines reports.
"Theodore Zurenuoc says when he was elected as speaker parliament was riddled with rotten administrative systems that urgently needed reformation. He says the totem pole represents spirits of idolatry, immorality and witchcraft, and many Papua New Guineans view it as a living spirit. He says it will be replaced with a National Unity Pole, which will contain a Bible, a copy of the constitution and an everlasting flame to represent God's word. He says once the restoration is completed, Papua New Guinea will have a new cultural, spiritual and religious direction."
