Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has commended the decision by Parliament Speaker, Job Pomat, to restore cultural decorations removed from the National Parliament House in 2013.
Sir Michael said having the traditional decorations in Parliament shows the country is united despite having diverse cultures and traditions.
“We gathered everything from around the country and placed it in Parliament to show we are united despite many cultures and traditions,” Sir Michael said.
Meanwhile, caretaker manager of the National Museum and Art Gallery, Alois Kuaso, said the court order made in May 2016 to restore the traditional decorations does not say new artefacts will be placed in Parliament. Kuaso said the proposed unity pillar by Churches if placed in Parliament, is unconstitutional.
“The court has ordered for the return, repair and replacement of the decorations. There is no reference from the court to bring in new items. The desire on the part of some Christians to bring in a pillar of national identity is not illegal but is unconstitutional,” Kuaso said.
