Esa’ala MP faces backlash after giving ultimatum on scholarships

There’s been backlash on the ultimatum issued by Esa’ala MP and Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina regarding tertiary students, who are beneficiaries of the Esa’ala District funded tertiary scholarships in institutions.

The public has taken to social media deeming the call unconstitutional and an infringement freedom of speech and expression.

Maladina in a statement released earlier today warned all students under the Esa’ala District Development Authority sponsored Tertiary Institution Scholarship Program, must refrain from engaging in any strikes, boycotts or political assemblies this academic year or face immediate removal from the program.

An executive of the Milne Bay Students Association at the University of Papua New Guinea told NBC News, the call is driven by the system.

“Maladina is within government ranks and is using this to quash any opposing of Government despite real worries they could not be serving the best interest of citizens,” the student, who wish to remain anonymous, said.

This afternoon when broached about the subject via text message response, he said, “While these may not be my personal monies, I chair the Esa’ala DDA Board and we have committed these funds to their education, not the misuse of it.

“Esa’ala remains on the of least development districts and since taking office, we’ve a focus to raise human resource to return to build a district and are therefore pledging K1.5million each year to fully fund school fees particular for those in Universities and any threat to studies cold derail this vision,” he said.