Minister for State Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters Philemon Embel of Papua New Guinea

Meanwhile, Embel has said that his Government will reject Flight West's plans to fly to Papua New Guinea from Cairns and Townsville in Australia, nominating instead Port Moresby-based Milne Bay Air to fly the routes.

Patrick Pruaitch, Air Niugini Board Chairman, Sir James Tjoeng and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Wasantha Kumarasiri, Minister Embel said the non stop Kuala Lumpur service would provide businessmen and women with more travel options and same day connections to and from the two countries.

Mr Embel said as the National Flag carrier, Air Niugini is also very mindful of national development.

With its current expansion program, Mr Embel said Air Niugini continues to acquire new and more efficient aircraft to its fleet to cater for its increased services.

Mr Embel said this when asked if rumours were true that many Highlands politicians purchased and shipped weapons to their supporters and tribesmen.

THE Mt Hagen National Court yesterday heard that a witness for former Nipa/Kutubu MP Philemon Embel was allegedly abducted at gun point from a Port Moresby resort.