Basil's speech opens up a smelly package
17 May 2010
IN HIS STIRRING speech
to Parliament last Friday, Opposition MP, Sam Basil, threw down the gauntlet to
the Somare government and PNG law enforcement authorities.
In the speech, an edited version of which appears below, Mr Basil said: “Continuous inaction and silence [by the police] and allowing high profile crimes to fade with time without justice being done is nothing but a recipe for disaster. Such is an element that is directly corroding the foundations of democracy which is the rule of law.”
Now, a visibly angry Prime Minister Somare has been stung into responding.
"Instead of opening our big mouths and accuse each other, we must all read and understand procedures and processes of government,” he exploded.
“The so-called university graduates should read the law instead of leading demonstrations."
Somare compared protest leaders to parrots and said it was Parliament’s job to determine if there is something wrong with the system and to change laws.
But, wait a minute, Prime Minister. If the laws already exist but are not being followed, what use is it to change or amend them further?
That’s just another case of diversion and denial.
Newly appointed Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Ano Pala, then cautioned MPs who questioned the integrity of the Parliamentary Speaker.
“Basil has questioned the integrity of the chair; if you want to question the authority and dignity of the chair, you are attacking all of us,” Pala said during a grievance debate.
Yet Mr. Basil didn't accuse all MP's of being corrupt. So why is Mr Pala trying to share the blame? Mr Basil presented the facts. Let Mr Pala respond to the facts.
Mr Basil has been brave enough to open up the smelly bag of decay that is today's PNG government. He deserves to be supported by all PNG leaders, including Sir Mekere Morauta and the Opposition.
Tari-Pori MP James Marape said, “If you are not happy or satisfied with government, dispose of the government in a properly conducted election.”
But will a properly conducted election be allowed in 2012? In the 2007 general election, the improper use of a government plane and promises of public money hand-outs by Somare ensured his cartel held on to power.
No one seemed to be able to ensure the law wasn't broken then. So what confidence can the PNG public have that this corrupted election activity will not happen again in 2012?
Mr Basil should be hailed as a champion of PNG democracy and actively supported by all those who want a better future for PNG.
It's utter nonsense. Sir Michael, Ana Pala and Marape, use your god-given coconuts (heads).
Your responses to Mr Basil’s speech in Parliament are signs of blatant and arrogant leaders. They are raw and immature.
Are you really representing the people of PNG or your small clans in Sepik, Tari and Rico?
Sir Michael has zero rights to stop the democratic right of the people. His statement: “It was Parliament’s job to determine if there is something wrong with the system and to change laws”, and trying to question the rights of the university students, is utter rubbish and ridiculous.
Sir, the students did not fail to read the law. We know you guys are dictating to the democracy after making sweeping decisions in the interest of no one.
People have already lost their trust in you and your Cabinet.
Can Pala and Marape keep their mouths shut for a while? We know you guys are so vocal because, as new Ministers, you are in fear that Sir Somare might remove you from Cabinet. We know.
If they are man enough, they must come out like Dr Marat did. The issues raised by Dr Marat are in the best interests of the common people and the silent majority who do not express themselves. We thank Dr Marat for taking a bold stand on these issues.
Or the new vocalists must do what Mr Basil did in Parliament - unveiling important points on decaying and smelling scraps in today’s government.
First time Ministers and MPs like Marape have to keep things to themselves and focus on their portfolios instead of opening their mouths wide on issues where their views are not needed.
Marape's statement, “If you are not happy or satisfied with government, dispose of the government in a properly conducted election”, is really hurting us, the long suffering people of PNG.
We know Marape will remain Minister forever as long as the so-called numbers games are played in Parliament.
Ana Pala is a Minister for only two weeks or less and he is so vocal warning MPs from questioning the integrity of the Speaker.
Is the Speaker superior to the law? No. If the Speaker cannot perform to the expectations of the House and the Constitution, he also is answerable.
Please MPs, you must know that you are serving the nation. Don’t cling on, pretending that everything is all right. Stand for what is right.
Posted by: Joe Wasia | 17 May 2010 at 10:32 PM