PNGBLOGS

By Awayang Namorong Many Allan Bird and Brian Kramer fans have been downplaying recent comparisons between the two MPs over their interaction with the PM. But the reality is that the comparison is relevant to current and future political discourse. It is not about who is right or wrong but the kind of leadership PNG should have. Papua New Guinea has taken Western Liberal Democracy and bastardized into a Western-Melanesian hybrid model. Our institutions are not truly western but function with a bit of Melanesian flavour. Allan Bird's actions reflect this reality. Indeed in he's response to public comments, he talked about meeting his enemies like his ancestors and then figuratively standing in Parliament with a spear. Bird's actions can be understood by every Tom, Dick and Harry in every village in Papua New Guinea. Leaders in most communities hold an almost god-like status such that most often communities rarely hold them accountable. Most Papua New Guineans te

by GABRIEL KOTONA While we all may have our own views on the political style and tactics employed by the good Member for Madang Hon Bryan Kramer, one thing is very notable. He does not seek attention or fame! He fights a cause that represents the economic plight of 8.5 million people of Papua New Guinea. Minus all the different political views and affiliations, one thing that remains dominant in Bryan Kramer's campaigns is the fight against corruption and mismanagement that has deprived the rights of the people of this country to equally share the wealth of this nation! While we may all agree that the likes of Bryan Kramer, Kerenga Kua, Garry Juffa, Allan Bird and others have development issues back at their political domains, we cannot deny outright the national issues that they are fighting for, both on the floor of Parliament, social media, mainstream media and out in the public. These are national issues that concerns every citizen of this nation. Though being a first

by JOHN N BAILEY Recently, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill seem to be in a rush launching project around parts of the country, knowing that the Opposition political parties in parliament will be moving a vote of no confidence against him in the next sitting of parliament in May 2019.....Politically, it may look good to the illiterate population to see the Prime Minister launching projects and making grand promises but economically it is certainly disastrous for the country. Many people don't realise that the funding source for these projects are not generated internally within PNG but are from loan money borrowed from outside PNG. It is good to start projects but the financial burden of repaying these project loans are now passed on to the taxpayers of the country who are already overburdened by the struggling weak Kina currency against all major foreign currencies and the ever-rising costs of living in what is already a difficult economic climate in PNG. A large portion

by PAUL FLANAGAN The PNG Treasurer has provided inadequate responses to recent coverage of the corruption of PNG’s economic statistics. Late on Saturday evening I was surprised that PNG Treasurer Charles Abel was responding directly on Facebook to my recent blogs on this issue. The front page of PNG’s weekend paper, the Sunday Bulletin, which featured with the heading “Economic Statistics Corrupted”, possibly contributed to the direct Facebook comments from the Treasurer. Later Facebook coverage highlighted an earlier response from the Treasurer. Democracy thrives on discussion and debate. I congratulate ‘The Sunday Bulletin’ for being brave enough to cover the issue. The story is not “fake news” and the report from PNG Economics covering the issue, supported by analysis from other independent think tanks and universities, was worthy of a news article. However, in an environment where there is clear pressure on the PNG press not to cover unfavourable stories about the O’Ne

This is an open letter to all our Members of Parliament The rapid unfolding of events in the last two weeks resulting from the arrest warrant issued for the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill (PO) have dramatically exposed the fragility of our democratic nation. The Prime Minister’s refusal to answer to a constitutionally mandated legal process will have far reaching detrimental consequences for our nation.  The PM has argued that the PNG Constabulary, an independent constitutional Office, and its officers have been politically compromised. As elected Members of Parliament you know that a PM can’t make such allegations, for so many reasons as you know. Think carefully about it: the PM is saying a politically compromised Police Force was in charge of administering and enforcing the laws of the land, and it was all fine until he became the subject of investigation by the same Police Force. The Members of Parliament (MPs) have a choice to make.  You are going to decide (if the courts don’t),

by MICHAEL GUISE These are the real facts PNG ought to know. O'Neill was neither a tribal leader nor will he ever be one. He has no identity in terms of tribal heritage or being from an established stock clan in an indigenous community to become a leader. He has no traditional or customary identity. Therefore, he is not entitled to any inheritance, such as land for hunting or gardening. Moreover, he was born out of wedlock, meaning his mother bore him as a result of fornication with a colonial Australian Kiap/Magistrate called Brian O'Neill, who was a well-known womanizer in those early days in the Ialibu Pangia area. O'Neill was born as a result of such promiscuous relationship from a village girl called Awambo, who was a well-known whore in the early sixties in the Pangia area. Her Kauwo village was near the Pangia Government Station, so she could easily slip into the expatriate’s house under the cover of darkness to ply her trade in exchange for a tinned fish, pack

by MICHAEL GUISE With the vote of no confidence around the corner Pangu Party Leader Hon. Samuel Basil has two options whi le the ball is in his court. Option 1. Redeem Himself and Pangu Hon Samuel Basil has been known for 15 years as the young vibrant Leader who maintained his standards and kept in the opposition for over two terms. Samuel Basil was a leader who fought against corruption and was vocal. Now and only now is the time Hon. Samuel Basil can make his move and salvage his reputation before the 2022 elections. How great would it be if Pangu crossed the floor on the day and PNC was destroyed? Basil will not only salvage his name but will be remembered in History as the smartest Politician who acted as a trojan horse and destroyed his enemy from within. Option 2 Basil is Tamed Option 2 Hon. Samuel Basil will stay put with PNC and slowly allow PNG to be destroyed by PNC. Basil will have his small projects approved in Bulolo Wau but this will give doubt to his vot