Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has issued a stern response to recent statements made by Sinasina-Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, urging politicians with vested interests to refrain from making inflammatory public remarks that undermine the sanctity of ongoing court proceedings. PM Marape emphasized that matters currently before the courts should not be discussed in public forums. He cautioned politicians who exploit these situations to advance their political agendas, describing such conduct as irresponsible and detrimental to the credibility of the judicial process. PM Marape reiterated the importance of respecting judicial processes and allowing the courts to handle legal matters without interference. “Politicians with vested interests should not be publicly grandstanding about matters that are before the courts. They cannot assume the roles of accuser, jury, and judge simultaneously. Let the courts do their work as mandated by the Constitution,” PM Marape stated. He highlighted that certain politicians are attempting to use the justice system as a political tool to gain mileage, thereby eroding public trust in the judiciary. He stressed that previous attempts to incite public anger and undermine legal processes were reckless and posed a danger to societal stability. “Leaders must refrain from making irresponsible statements intended to provoke public unrest or create political advantage by misleading the people. The consequences of such actions are serious, and we have seen what damage can result from politically motivated incitement,” PM Marape emphasized. PM Marape also noted that Mr. Kua’s remarks were based on hearsay and lacked credibility, particularly when citing the late Justice Secretary Dr Lawrence Kalinoe as a source of information. “As a senior lawyer, Mr. Kua should know better than to make unfounded allegations based on statements from individuals who are no longer alive to defend themselves. Such claims are hearsay and have no place in a competent court of law,” he stated. PM Marape reaffirmed his commitment to allowing court processes to run their course without any political interference. He urged all Papua New Guineans, as well as political leaders, to respect the integrity of the judicial system and allow matters before the court to be resolved lawfully and appropriately. “Our courts, led by the Chief Justice, are fully capable of handling this matter. Politicians must not undermine the judiciary by making provocative public statements aimed at influencing judicial decisions or misleading the public,” he said. PM Marape concluded by appealing to the people of Papua New Guinea to remain calm and allow the judiciary to perform its duty without interference. “As your Prime Minister, I want to assure you that at no point did I authorize payments related to the matter under discussion. I have been a State witness since 2013 and have always acted in the best interest of the country. Let the legal process proceed without undue interference,” PM Marape stated.