A former Papua New Guinea prime minister has come to the defence of blogger Martyn Namorong.
Martyn Namorong Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Mr Namorong has been restrained from publishing defamatory remarks about the Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato.
Sir Mekere Morauta says court action taken by Mr Gamato is ridiculous.
He asks whether Mr Gamato was so thin-skinned he cannot see the humour in what Mr Namorong writes.
Sir Mekere said Mr Gamato had more important things to do and better things to be spending state resources on - such as having a true Electoral Roll, running the election efficiently and on time, paying polling and counting officials, and speeding up the counting process.
He said Mr Gamato held a very important public office, and his words, actions and behaviour are subject to public scrutiny and public comment.