PAPUA NEW GUINEA (CU)_ The government of Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister bought full-page advertisements in two significant local newspapers begging with reporters not to call or text him.
According to the Guardian, the notification was published in the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier and the National newspapers in addition to WhatsApp groups for journalists. In the announcement, Prime Minister James Marape directed all journalists to get in touch with his office rather than him personally. If reporters rejected this warning, access to the Prime Minister would be restricted as a result, it said.
A screenshot of the message, released by the Guardian, read: “This circular is to warn all members of the media fraternity, both national and international, that the Prime Minister Hon. James Marape MP will no longer receive direct press queries from the date of this contact onward.” The warning appears to have been issued for operational reasons because the statement emphasized the need to expedite press inquiries. The announcement was Marape’s creation.
“Since taking office in 2019, the Prime Minister has been accommodating and has answered questions from our media in an honest manner. In order to maintain this collaboration, we will streamline your inquiries to the appropriate ministries,” the statement added.
While some members of the public objected to the revelation, others noted that it was a common practice for almost all governments. A reporter in the WhatsApp group where the statement was shared remarked: “Being a [journalist] does not give you the right to go straight to the PM and text him as your buddy,” according to the Guardian.
Regardless, many people might find it amusing to picture an enraged Head of State telling reporters to stop phoning his personal phone.
