PNGBLOGS

TUBUANS & DUKDUKS The Australian recently published an article about John Momis, the President-elect of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. There is no doubt that Momis is widely respected in both Bougainville and PNG – respect achieved through an established track record entrenched in his invaluable contribution as a founding father of PNG and an equally insatiable commitment to seeing things through. Momis has declared that number one on his priority list is the disarmament of the large number of weapons still present in the province. No doubt, the revisiting of the imminent restoration of Panguna mine is also high on the agenda. However, one issue that seems to have taken a back seat over the past few years and left to wither in the wilderness is the controversial figure Noah Musingku and his fast-money scheme, U-Vistract. I would argue that after the Bougainville Revolution and blackbirding, Musingku’s U-Vistract ranks as the next event that has had the most devastating impa

TUBUANS & DUKDUKS The Australian recently published an article about John Momis, the President-elect of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. There is no doubt that Momis is widely respected in both Bougainville and PNG – respect achieved through an established track record entrenched in his invaluable contribution as a founding father of PNG and an equally insatiable commitment to seeing things through. Momis has declared that number one on his priority list is the disarmament of the large number of weapons still present in the province. No doubt, the revisiting of the imminent restoration of Panguna mine is also high on the agenda. However, one issue that seems to have taken a back seat over the past few years and left to wither in the wilderness is the controversial figure Noah Musingku and his fast-money scheme, U-Vistract. I would argue that after the Bougainville Revolution and blackbirding, Musingku’s U-Vistract ranks as the next event that has had the most devastatin

THE AUSTRALIAN PAPUA New Guinea's veteran Prime Minister Michael Somare took the government's Falcon jet to Fiji, a favourite destination, yesterday as he celebrated escaping a threatening vote of no confidence. Before attending the "Engaging with the Pacific" meeting organised by the country's military ruler, Frank Bainimarama, Sir Michael swiftly appointed eight new ministers to shore up his majority. Five of them come from the populous Highlands region, which accounts for 40 per cent of the seats in parliament. It appeared that Sir Michael's deputy, Puka Temu, a Papuan, had pencilled in a deal with Highlands bloc leader Don Polye -- both being members of Sir Michael's National Alliance party -- to quit and form a new government. But only Sir Puka walked out, to become Opposition Leader. Mr Polye stayed behind and was rewarded with the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Sir Michael appointed long-time supporter Timothy Bonga as the Forestry Minister -- usual

THE AUSTRALIAN PAPUA New Guinea's veteran Prime Minister Michael Somare took the government's Falcon jet to Fiji, a favourite destination, yesterday as he celebrated escaping a threatening vote of no confidence. Before attending the "Engaging with the Pacific" meeting organised by the country's military ruler, Frank Bainimarama, Sir Michael swiftly appointed eight new ministers to shore up his majority. Five of them come from the populous Highlands region, which accounts for 40 per cent of the seats in parliament. It appeared that Sir Michael's deputy, Puka Temu, a Papuan, had pencilled in a deal with Highlands bloc leader Don Polye -- both being members of Sir Michael's National Alliance party -- to quit and form a new government. But only Sir Puka walked out, to become Opposition Leader. Mr Polye stayed behind and was rewarded with the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Sir Michael appointed long-time supporter Timothy Bonga as the Forestry Minis

ROWAN CALLICK - THE AUSTRALIAN PAPUA New Guinea's wily, veteran fox of a Prime Minister, Michael Somare, contrived yesterday to escape what seemed a likely sudden political death by having parliament adjourned until November. Buoyed by his win, Sir Michael, 74, crossed the chamber as MPs began to leave the house, pointed at rising young opposition star Sam Basil, and shouted in Pidgin: "If you were outside, I would kill you." He was constrained by his son, Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare. This is the second year running that he has avoided a no-confidence challenge by simply shutting parliament down. But this time, he is also likely to face a legal challenge, with a strengthened yet bitterly frustrated opposition claiming they were robbed by a ruse in which the Speaker, Jeffery Nape -- a member of Sir Michael's National Alliance party -- played a crucial role. Legal appeals may come over the nature of Mr Nape's ruling in parliament, and the consequent fa

ROWAN CALLICK - THE AUSTRALIAN PAPUA New Guinea's wily, veteran fox of a Prime Minister, Michael Somare, contrived yesterday to escape what seemed a likely sudden political death by having parliament adjourned until November. Buoyed by his win, Sir Michael, 74, crossed the chamber as MPs began to leave the house, pointed at rising young opposition star Sam Basil, and shouted in Pidgin: "If you were outside, I would kill you." He was constrained by his son, Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare. This is the second year running that he has avoided a no-confidence challenge by simply shutting parliament down. But this time, he is also likely to face a legal challenge, with a strengthened yet bitterly frustrated opposition claiming they were robbed by a ruse in which the Speaker, Jeffery Nape -- a member of Sir Michael's National Alliance party -- played a crucial role. Legal appeals may come over the nature of Mr Nape's ruling in parliament, and the con

NATIONAL EDITORIAL THE government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare gained itself a three-month reprieve from a serious challenge to his leadership. Parliament stands adjourned to November but, what relieve the government might have earned, it will not be enjoyed by the prime minister himself. His challenge has only just begun. His leadership is challenged not only from without but, more importantly, from within. It is highly likely he will not take the National Alliance to the 2012 general elections as its head. Signs of the strain were already evident yesterday when, as parliament was rising, the PM pointed across at Bulolo MP Sam Basil and told him: “Bai mi kilim yu autsait (I will kill you outside).” However way it is interpreted, and however hard the prime minister’s media unit tries to dilute the intentions of the PM, the threat remains and is unbecoming of an elder statesman, a man famously described as the “father of the nation”. While three ministries have been volunteered to

NATIONAL EDITORIAL THE government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare gained itself a three-month reprieve from a serious challenge to his leadership. Parliament stands adjourned to November but, what relieve the government might have earned, it will not be enjoyed by the prime minister himself. His challenge has only just begun. His leadership is challenged not only from without but, more importantly, from within. It is highly likely he will not take the National Alliance to the 2012 general elections as its head. Signs of the strain were already evident yesterday when, as parliament was rising, the PM pointed across at Bulolo MP Sam Basil and told him: “Bai mi kilim yu autsait (I will kill you outside).” However way it is interpreted, and however hard the prime minister’s media unit tries to dilute the intentions of the PM, the threat remains and is unbecoming of an elder statesman, a man famously described as the “father of the nation”. While three ministries have been volunteered t

NATIONAL REPORTS FORMER forest minister Belden Namah yesterday raised serious allegations of corruption and questionable deals involving some government ministers. The prime minister tried to get the speaker to stop Namah raising the allegations publicly in parliament, claiming the former minister could not divulge confidential cabinet information for five years. But, speaker Jeffery Nape allowed Namah to speak out. Namah, former deputy prime minister Sir Puka Temu and culture and tourism minister Charles Abel walked out of government on Monday and were sacked by the prime minister yesterday. When parliament resumed after 2pm, the three walked in with the opposition and sat in the opposition’s middle benches. During question time, Namah told parliament he was fed up with corruption in government, and decided to walk out. The Vanimo-Green MP alleged a number of corrupt practices by the Border Development Authority (BDA). One of them involved buying boats at inflated prices. He said the

NATIONAL REPORTS FORMER forest minister Belden Namah yesterday raised serious allegations of corruption and questionable deals involving some government ministers. The prime minister tried to get the speaker to stop Namah raising the allegations publicly in parliament, claiming the former minister could not divulge confidential cabinet information for five years. But, speaker Jeffery Nape allowed Namah to speak out. Namah, former deputy prime minister Sir Puka Temu and culture and tourism minister Charles Abel walked out of government on Monday and were sacked by the prime minister yesterday. When parliament resumed after 2pm, the three walked in with the opposition and sat in the opposition’s middle benches. During question time, Namah told parliament he was fed up with corruption in government, and decided to walk out. The Vanimo-Green MP alleged a number of corrupt practices by the Border Development Authority (BDA). One of them involved buying boats at inflated prices. He

NIUGINI PRESS SIR Michael Thomas Somare is not new to political challenges. Throughout his illustrious career as the longest-serving member of parliament in the Commonwealth, controversy has never been too far behind him. He has lost almost all the challenges that have been directed at him on the floor of parliament but, at the same time, he has won, both on his own and for his party and followers, every single election he has contested. He might not be popular with the leaders, but he is certainly the most popular leader in Papua New Guinea – from the highlands to the coast and surrounding islands. Yesterday, as he faced the suggestion of yet another struggle and as he struggled to defend his decision to appoint his son as Finance and Treasury minister, his voice faltered. As is often said of great people, you can defend others but not yourself. Arthur Somare, three-time member for Angoram (which makes him one of the most senior members in the National Alliance party after the prime m

NIUGINI PRESS SIR Michael Thomas Somare is not new to political challenges. Throughout his illustrious career as the longest-serving member of parliament in the Commonwealth, controversy has never been too far behind him. He has lost almost all the challenges that have been directed at him on the floor of parliament but, at the same time, he has won, both on his own and for his party and followers, every single election he has contested. He might not be popular with the leaders, but he is certainly the most popular leader in Papua New Guinea – from the highlands to the coast and surrounding islands. Yesterday, as he faced the suggestion of yet another struggle and as he struggled to defend his decision to appoint his son as Finance and Treasury minister, his voice faltered. As is often said of great people, you can defend others but not yourself. Arthur Somare, three-time member for Angoram (which makes him one of the most senior members in the National Alliance party after the prime

ROWAN CALLICK PAPUA New Guinea's veteran Prime Minister Michael Somare shored up his shaky parliamentary support sufficiently to stymie plans for a vote of no confidence yesterday. But his support has deteriorated so rapidly, falling to about 60 of the 86 MPs who elected him prime minister three years ago, that he is still likely to face a challenge in the next few days, possibly as early as today. His National Alliance party is fragmenting rapidly. The gauntlet was first thrown down by Deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu, who led three other ministers out of the cabinet on Monday night. He is a medical doctor, a Papuan from Central Province near Port Moresby, who spent six years working at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals in Australia, before becoming permanent head of PNG's Health Department. Yesterday, Sir Puka swiftly became leader of the opposition, which had set up camp in the tradition of PNG political end-games, this time at a resort near Gaire village

ROWAN CALLICK PAPUA New Guinea's veteran Prime Minister Michael Somare shored up his shaky parliamentary support sufficiently to stymie plans for a vote of no confidence yesterday. But his support has deteriorated so rapidly, falling to about 60 of the 86 MPs who elected him prime minister three years ago, that he is still likely to face a challenge in the next few days, possibly as early as today. His National Alliance party is fragmenting rapidly. The gauntlet was first thrown down by Deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu, who led three other ministers out of the cabinet on Monday night. He is a medical doctor, a Papuan from Central Province near Port Moresby, who spent six years working at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals in Australia, before becoming permanent head of PNG's Health Department. Yesterday, Sir Puka swiftly became leader of the opposition, which had set up camp in the tradition of PNG political end-games, this time at a resort near G

HAMISH MCDONAL The war drums of political change are beating across the capital of Papua New Guinea, as defections and a no-confidence motion threaten the grip of the Prime Minister and ''Grand Chief'' Sir Michael Somare. Somare, 74, who led the country into independence from Australia in 1975, is in his third spell as prime minister, an unprecedented eight years marked by his equally unprecedented re-election as incumbent in 2007. He has been talking about retiring for some time, with elections due in two years. His plans are vague, but he seems to be grooming his son Arthur, the minister for state enterprises and acting treasurer, as successor. But Somare is now threatened within and without his ruling National Alliance. A powerful highlander politician, the transport minister Don Polye, has lined up for a leadership challenge. One of his deputy prime ministers, Sir Puka Temu, quit the government and joined the opposition, which yesterday was trying to launch a no con

HAMISH MCDONAL The war drums of political change are beating across the capital of Papua New Guinea, as defections and a no-confidence motion threaten the grip of the Prime Minister and ''Grand Chief'' Sir Michael Somare. Somare, 74, who led the country into independence from Australia in 1975, is in his third spell as prime minister, an unprecedented eight years marked by his equally unprecedented re-election as incumbent in 2007. He has been talking about retiring for some time, with elections due in two years. His plans are vague, but he seems to be grooming his son Arthur, the minister for state enterprises and acting treasurer, as successor. But Somare is now threatened within and without his ruling National Alliance. A powerful highlander politician, the transport minister Don Polye, has lined up for a leadership challenge. One of his deputy prime ministers, Sir Puka Temu, quit the government and joined the opposition, which yesterday was trying to launch

ABC REPORTS Sir Morauta and Sir Puka at March Girls Resort, Ready to take on Somare Papua New Guinea's government is facing another threat to its survival, this time from the deputy prime minister, who has joined forces with opposition MPs. PNG prime minister Sir Michael Somare was expected to face a challenge for the leadership of his party from transport minister Don Polye at a meeting today but another challenger has arisen. While the meeting was underway, his deputy prime minister Puka Temu was holding discussions with opposition MPs at a resort outside Port Moresby. Several other government ministers were there with him. Together they have resolved to move a motion of no confidence against Sir Michael when parliament resumes tomorrow. If that happens, a vote can take place in a week's time. The new group say they have the numbers to win a vote and form a new government. Update 2 *************************** Papua New Guinea’s government has been split by the defection of fo

ABC REPORTS Sir Morauta and Sir Puka at March Girls Resort, Ready to take on Somare Papua New Guinea's government is facing another threat to its survival, this time from the deputy prime minister, who has joined forces with opposition MPs. PNG prime minister Sir Michael Somare was expected to face a challenge for the leadership of his party from transport minister Don Polye at a meeting today but another challenger has arisen. While the meeting was underway, his deputy prime minister Puka Temu was holding discussions with opposition MPs at a resort outside Port Moresby. Several other government ministers were there with him. Together they have resolved to move a motion of no confidence against Sir Michael when parliament resumes tomorrow. If that happens, a vote can take place in a week's time. The new group say they have the numbers to win a vote and form a new government. Update 2 *************************** Papua New Guinea’s government has been split b

AAP Papua New Guinea's veteran leader Michael Somare is facing a party leadership challenge that he will not contest, his spokeswoman says, in a move which could see him pushed from power. Rival bids by Transport Minister Don Polye and Deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu to lead the ruling National Alliance will be discussed at a party meeting later on Monday, and Mr Somare's spokeswoman says he is unlikely to fight them. "He's the one who's introduced democracy to PNG so I think he'll go with what other members of his party want," the spokeswoman told Agence France-Presse of Mr Somare. "He's not putting up a particular person at this stage. He'll just support the party." All year, local newspapers have reported rumours that PNG's rugged Highlands region, led by Mr Polye, has been moving to oust Mr Somare and his supporters. Meanwhile, the opposition, headed by Mekere Morauta, has been running a campaign urging disgruntled parliamentarian

AAP Papua New Guinea's veteran leader Michael Somare is facing a party leadership challenge that he will not contest, his spokeswoman says, in a move which could see him pushed from power. Rival bids by Transport Minister Don Polye and Deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu to lead the ruling National Alliance will be discussed at a party meeting later on Monday, and Mr Somare's spokeswoman says he is unlikely to fight them. "He's the one who's introduced democracy to PNG so I think he'll go with what other members of his party want," the spokeswoman told Agence France-Presse of Mr Somare. "He's not putting up a particular person at this stage. He'll just support the party." All year, local newspapers have reported rumours that PNG's rugged Highlands region, led by Mr Polye, has been moving to oust Mr Somare and his supporters. Meanwhile, the opposition, headed by Mekere Morauta, has been running a campaign urging disgruntled parl

FOCUS ARTICLE It’s two years until the next National Elections, but the political aspirants are already planning their moves. In the meantime, the long-forecast Supreme Court ruling, which has deemed aspects of the Organic Law on Integrity of Political Parties (OLIPPAC) unconstitutional, has set the cat among the pigeons, perhaps strengthening Parliamentary control over executive government, while enabling MPs to resume their pastime of orchestrating votes of no-confidence in the prevailing leadership. The Opposition lists a string of failures and abuses by the incumbent leadership, which retorts that it has provided the country eight years of stability and economic growth. The vote of no-confidence process in the past has largely had little relationship with ‘confidence’ or otherwise, and more to do with opportunism. Parliament has a fundamental role in providing checks on the executive government, and, where necessary, removing one that is deficient. No-one wants a return to multiple

FOCUS ARTICLE It’s two years until the next National Elections, but the political aspirants are already planning their moves. In the meantime, the long-forecast Supreme Court ruling, which has deemed aspects of the Organic Law on Integrity of Political Parties (OLIPPAC) unconstitutional, has set the cat among the pigeons, perhaps strengthening Parliamentary control over executive government, while enabling MPs to resume their pastime of orchestrating votes of no-confidence in the prevailing leadership. The Opposition lists a string of failures and abuses by the incumbent leadership, which retorts that it has provided the country eight years of stability and economic growth. The vote of no-confidence process in the past has largely had little relationship with ‘confidence’ or otherwise, and more to do with opportunism. Parliament has a fundamental role in providing checks on the executive government, and, where necessary, removing one that is deficient. No-one wants a return to multip

Australia Network News The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare's leadership is expected to come under direct threat as early as today. There have been rumblings in PNG that Sir Michael will be asked to step down as leader of the National Alliance Party and eventually as prime minister. The Deputy Leader of PNG's Highlands region and Transport Minister Don Polye has confirmed to Radio Australia that he wants to wrestle the leadership from Sir Michael. He's told Firmin Nanol, he will put the challenge directly to a party meeting. "Yes, I am a contestant and I have talked to the PM on several occasions and have made my intentions known to other members of the party," he said.

Australia Network News The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare's leadership is expected to come under direct threat as early as today. There have been rumblings in PNG that Sir Michael will be asked to step down as leader of the National Alliance Party and eventually as prime minister. The Deputy Leader of PNG's Highlands region and Transport Minister Don Polye has confirmed to Radio Australia that he wants to wrestle the leadership from Sir Michael. He's told Firmin Nanol, he will put the challenge directly to a party meeting. "Yes, I am a contestant and I have talked to the PM on several occasions and have made my intentions known to other members of the party," he said.