Totally off the wall: A sign of the times
21 July 2010
AAP - TODAY’S FAILURE to change government
highlights how PNG's nascent democracy and unique take on the
This morning the opposition failed to block the swearing-in of Governor-General
Sir Paulias Matane, who had been selected in a controversial manner.
When Sir Paulias formally accepted the role and said "So help me
God", a light emblazoned with the word ‘CAUTION’ suddenly fell from the
wall of parliament, and remained dangling by its cord for the remainder of the
ceremony.
Former prime minister and opposition member Julius Chan quipped: "What
an ominous sign things are just not right in PNG."
Not sure where to post this but just wanted to have a say;
Do you all realise that it is not only Somare who is destroying democracy in PNG but Sinesine MP (Simbu Province), the Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape.
This is the second time while he has been Speaker that government will not sit for the required 63 days in 12 months.
Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't the first time this happened, last year or 2008? It was definitely while Nape has been speaker.
Nape is the person responsible for the lack of debate over new laws that have been passed.
Recently he even confessed to not listening to his legal advisers about the reappointment of the Governor-General and that it was done improperly because he came under pressure (this was in the newspapers).
Democracy is when people's voice are heard through in/formal argument. The Speaker is preventing this and even going against his advisers.
If it is true that he is being knighted, then should we not be asking for what? Is it for his efforts in denying the voice of the people be heard and in essence helping destroy democracy?
Posted by: Weast | 22 July 2010 at 03:08 AM
Sign indeed! No leader in this nation can stand up and say: "...No, I am sorry but I am not going to be part of a bad process.."
It's no wonder we are almost into our 40th year in the "wilderness". So much mauswara!
Posted by: Effrey Dademo | 21 July 2010 at 09:12 PM