A new year welcomed by such poor politics
17 January 2011
BY REGINALD RENAGI
THE MIDDAY news bulletin told Papua New Guineans what their dysfunctional Parliament had done that morning in its first business of the new year.
For 48 hours the media had mooted the government’s first choice nominee of a current sitting MP to be the next Governor-General of our country.
So it was no surprise to learn at noon that Parliament had elected the government’s choice as the new representative of the Queen of PNG.
It had been known and now it was official.
So PNG has a new Vice-Regal amidst very controversial circumstances.
The new Governor-General is the current Member for North Bougainville and Minister for Higher Education, Michael Ogio.
Government and Parliament started off a very rowdy 2011 session at 10 am Friday after the morning’s prayer to start the year’s parliamentary proceedings.
After the election of a still unsuitable Vice-Regal, there will be no parliamentary business until May.
The people’s assembly has gone into forced hibernation at the expense of the people of PNG.
It must also be very frustrating for both the Parliamentary Opposition and the Member for Moresby-South and Minister for Community Development, Dame Carol Kidu.
The government once again used its great numbers to squash any chance of a planned vote of no-confidence against the PM and government.
The government’s also again ignored Dame Carol’s long-awaited Private Member’s Bill on the issue of 22 reserved seats in Parliament for women.
This issue was again put on the back-burner.
What a great shame the PNG Parliament has turned out in such poor form to welcome the new year.
It is a sure sign there will be more funny business to come in the remaining life of this Parliament leading to the 2012 national elections.
Acting Speaker, Francis Maru’s actions have so far being very disappointing. He is displaying similar mistakes as his boss, Jeffrey Nape (missing in action list for several weeks now).
What a bunch of clowns Papua New Guinean politicians have become on PM Somare’s watch.
The public can again expect more legal challenges looming over the horizon for the government when Parliament next sits.
One has to hope that the well educated, honest and sincere people of PNG will make the effort and put in the time to educate the village people in remote areas as to the importance of the next election.
Its no longer appropriate to vote for the one offering a cigarette or other bribe. By all means take their bribe but don't vote for them. After all the elections should be by secret ballot.
Everyone must choose the person male or female who they think will lead Papua New Guinea in an honest and acceptable way.
Posted by: Trevor Freestone. | 17 January 2011 at 01:30 PM
Hi Renagi - Why not contest the 2012 election, and see how you can contribute towards bringing PNG to what you want it to be. It will be a good start!
Posted by: Gerald Tananu | 17 January 2011 at 10:30 AM