"We are not misfits and psychopaths" Namah
By BELDEN NAMAH, MP
The Prime Minister and those surrounding him need to mature and appreciate the importance of public debate and criticism of government decisions and performance to ensure democracy and good governance.
The Opposition often takes the lead in public discussions in respect of activities and policies of government. The Opposition gives credit to government where due with criticism and offers alternatives where it sees fit.
We take exception to the Public Statement by the Prime Minister in defense of his proposed constitutional amendments branding Opposition MPs including learned Papua New Guineans who are critical of his Government as social misfits and psychopaths.
The Opposition and the public have every right to express their views on decisions and activities of government.
The Prime Minister tries his best to justify the vandalism and demise of a very significant law of our Constitution by telling us that there is something or things that are doubtful or not clear in sections 124 and 145 and that his amendments bring about clarity.
The Prime Minister is misleading every one by saying he is doing this for stability and clarity. It is not too hard for Papua New Guineans to work out why the Prime Minister would want further amendments to section 145 when he, only 6 weeks ago, secured a massive 30 months grace period and when he enjoys the support of an historical majority of 100 Members of Parliament.
We in the Opposition are, given our weaker position, sounding the warning to all Papua New Guineans that a very vital pillar or tenet of democracy and accountability of our Constitution is being thrown out the window.
The Opposition often takes the lead in public discussions in respect of activities and policies of government. The Opposition gives credit to government where due with criticism and offers alternatives where it sees fit.
We take exception to the Public Statement by the Prime Minister in defense of his proposed constitutional amendments branding Opposition MPs including learned Papua New Guineans who are critical of his Government as social misfits and psychopaths.
The Opposition and the public have every right to express their views on decisions and activities of government.
The Prime Minister tries his best to justify the vandalism and demise of a very significant law of our Constitution by telling us that there is something or things that are doubtful or not clear in sections 124 and 145 and that his amendments bring about clarity.
The Prime Minister is misleading every one by saying he is doing this for stability and clarity. It is not too hard for Papua New Guineans to work out why the Prime Minister would want further amendments to section 145 when he, only 6 weeks ago, secured a massive 30 months grace period and when he enjoys the support of an historical majority of 100 Members of Parliament.
We in the Opposition are, given our weaker position, sounding the warning to all Papua New Guineans that a very vital pillar or tenet of democracy and accountability of our Constitution is being thrown out the window.
