Vice-Minister of Planning James Nomane has called on Prime Minister James Marape to put Papua New Guinea first and reshuffle cabinet to bring together the best of both government and opposition MPs.
In his 48th Independence message at the weekend, Nomane said that this Independence Day must trigger change in the way Marape’s administration had been running the government.
“In the last 12 months, the country’s socio-economic indicators have regressed,” he said.
“We just need to look at the lack of jobs, no medicine in hospitals, and the unprecedented crime wave.”
This was a reality check and an indictment on the government’s ability to manage the nation’s affairs as its elected leaders.
“All Members of Parliament must be honest and stop the lip service, stop promulgating cliché, and stop the ill-conceived half-measures that have worsened the situation for our people,” Nomane said.
“On this Independence Day, I call on the Prime Minister to put the country first and do a complete cabinet reshuffle that brings the best of both government and opposition MPs together.
Plea for ‘suffering masses’
“The task is simple: in 3 months turn the situation around.
“This is an unprecedented plea on behalf of the suffering masses, the silent majority, and our progeny.
“The country is bigger than me and every other Member of Parliament. I am sick of the paradox that PNG is so rich, yet so poor.
“I am sick of the paralysis caused by the inimical political culture that promotes conformity and punishes those that disagree on policy.
“MPs vehemently debating on policy in public and sharing a meal afterwards has become a distant memory.
“This is synonymous with autocratic leadership, not a thriving democracy as envisioned by our forefathers and captured in our Constitution.
“The Prime Minister must change cabinet and get MPs who know how things work and can lead without fear or favour to drive the country’s development aspirations 48 years and beyond.
“The time has come for this 11th Parliament to live out the words of our national anthem: “O arise all ye sons of this land…”
Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.
