Former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O'Neil, has criticized Marape- Rosso government for embarrassing the country with draconian and silly ideas. He said this in reference to Monday’s purported test on controlling social media platform Facebook, which was carried out by the Police Ministry and department, leaving relevant agencies such as National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) and Ministry for Information Communication Technology unaware. O'Neil questions why the so called "test" happened on the same day Prime Minister James Marape attended court regarding the Paraka matter, not as a suspect, but as a State Witness. “Perhaps just a coincidence but clearly, our people, not just those active on social media, but most citizens find it troubling.” He claimed the police minister was surely acting on instructions from the Prime Minister to prevent social media activity. O'Neil said that this matter has made people even more frustrated, unhappy and suspicious of the Marape government who seems to be introducing legislations fundamentally changing not just the Constitution but people's national way of life. “We have become the laughingstock of our region with increasingly crazy ideas quickly becoming policy and law, all the while our economic fortunes are regressing rapidly, buried in debt and a cost-of-living crisis.” “Jobs and investor confidence have evaporated quicker than the false promises made by Marape.” He stated that Facebook had its problems, but it was also a valve to let off frustrations for many people who are rightly upset at the direction the country is heading. He added that Facebook was also a positive tool for social connection, to share ideas and information and for a space where businesses can trade. “Government should have a laser focus on fixing the economic mess and settling the law-and-order issues. There is a litany of broken promises to make good on, mines to reopen, major projects to start and debt to pay back.” “Children need to be educated, hospitals and health clinics suffering from government malaise which all need to be looked at and addressed. Not micromanaging every thought of our people.” Meanwhile, Police Commissioner David Manning in a statement said due to ongoing efforts by criminals to incite violence against communities and damage critical infrastructure, a temporary and partial restriction on the Facebook platform has been ordered under the Counter Terrorism Act 2024.