A union leader in Papua New Guinea has written to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister seeking regulation on the principle of separation of church and Government.
The Trade Union Congress general secretary John Paska says public debate is needed about the issue in light of the recent surge of fundamentalist influences in parliament.
He has highlighted moves by parliament speaker Theo Zurenuoc to remove prized cultural artefacts from parliament house as part of his ongoing campaign to reform the legislature.
Mr Paska says there are increasing signs of a Zionist movement in PNG state affairs.
"So it's quite dangerous. And his (Zurenuoc's) actions in authorising destruction of the totem poles... it's a state property, number one; and number two, he did not secure parliamentary approval for it. And so he unilaterally used his decision, it's an abuse of power, a decision to pursue his religious conviction."
The facade of PNG's parliament, featuring a lintel of carved heads, before Speaker Theo Zurenuoc ordered their removal in late 2013. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The facade of PNG's parliament after the removal of the carved heads which Speaker Theo Zurenuoc described as ungodly. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
John Paska and others are filing a Supreme Court reference seeking an interpretation of whether the Speaker's actions have breached PNG's constitution.
He warns that Mr Zurenuoc is preparing to unleash more costly fundamentalist Christian representations to mark upcoming celebrations to mark PNG's 40th anniversary of independence.
