Michael Ogio is the new Governor-General
14 January 2011
MINISTER FOR Higher Education and MP for North Bougainville, Michael Ogio, is PNG’s new Governor-General.
He easily won a vote in Parliament from the only other contender, veteran politician Sir Pato Kakaraya, who has been contesting the vice-regal post since 2002.
Mr Ogio was previously Deputy Prime Minister and a controversial Minister for Forests.
“This country is now a circus show run by MPs in clowns clothing,” complained one PNG blog, discussing the result.
Anticipating the outcome, Bulolo MP Sam Basil said yesterday that Mr Ogio was not a fit person to be head of state.
Mr Basil alleged that, as Forest Minister, Mr Ogio ignored legislation to grant access to vast areas of PNG forests by some of the most notorious logging companies.
Mr Ogio will quit his job as minister and also forego the parliamentary leadership of the Peoples Democratic Movement.
Thank you Sir Paulias Matane for a job well done as PNG's Vice-Regal/Governor-General for the past six years.
I thank Lady Kaludia for her unwavering support and commitment to our Queen's representative at Government House, as well as the other official capacities that Sir Paulias Matane has proudly served PNG with love and commitment over the years.
To both Lady Kaludia and Sir Paulias Matane, Bon Voyage to your new destination. Safe journey and God bless.
Please Sir ... write more books!
Posted by: Reginald Renagi | 16 January 2011 at 02:53 PM
There are several issues at play here. There may yet be an appeal to the Ombudsman Commission. The government used this vote to show the opposition did not have the numbers for a vote of no confidence.
Ogio stood for the office despite a strong appeal from his electorate to continue as their MP. This appointment is also an ill conceived attempt to start manipulating the Bougainville independence referendum which is due in the GGs term.
The other candidates were not treated fairly. Indeed it has been claimed government MPs were locked in the caucus room and forced to sign Ogio's nomination. Many government MPs did not want Ogio and had committed to vote for others more qualified and not controversial.
There is a culture of bullying in the government so what looked like a free and decisive vote was nothing of the sort.
In a continuation of their contempt for the constitution and laws the government has again used the speaker to manipulate proceedings in their favour and against due and fair process.
This may again end up in court and with the Ombudsman. The government will try to rush the appointment by the Queen in an attempt to circumvent any appeals.
Posted by: Stret Pasin | 16 January 2011 at 11:44 AM
Thank you, Paul and Susuve, for all the relevant information.
I think Sir Paulias Matane is going to be a hard act to follow. His constant fight against corruption, in all its forms, must be continued.
Every country needs good leadership and good role models for other to follow.
Posted by: Barbara Short | 16 January 2011 at 07:08 AM
Ogio's election to the post of Vice Regal is not without precedent for an MP-cum-GG trend for PNG since attainment of independence in September 1975.
Before Ogio, others have been:
Sir John Guise (sitting MP, 1975- resigned to contest 1977 national elections)
Sir Tore Lokoloko (siting MP, 1977 -1982)
Sir Wiwa Korowi (sitting MP)
Ex-MPs to seek and hold the job were:
Sir Kingsford Dibela ( a former Speaker)
Sir Silas Atopare ( a former Cabinet Minister)
Persons outside of politics elected to hold the job were:
Sir Ignatius Kilage (died in office was a former Chief Ombudsman)
Sir Vincent Serei Eri (Author of The Crocodile, diplomat and bureaucrat; resigned from office controversially)
Sir Paulias Matane (author, diplomat, bureaucrat)
Thank you, Sir Paulias for a job well done.
Posted by: Susuve Laumaea | 15 January 2011 at 02:10 PM
In answer to Peter Kinjap’s query, the practice of appointing former politicians to the post of GG is not unusual in this part of the world.
Australia has sometimes done so from both sides of politics. e.g. Hasluck and Hayden. When Hayden got the nod however, he immediately vacated his position as Foreign Minister and had six months break before being appointed.
The break was essential to give a reasonable period between the two positions so that there would be no perception that there was any continuity of tenure.
Problems with former politicians may occur if any baggage from their political career spills over into their non political appointment.
Those problems can occur with others walks of life as well. Look at the situation when former Archbishop Hollingworth had to leave office?
The difference between Australia and PNG is that Australia’s Governor General is the country’s Head of State and has been since Federation. One of the position’s lesser duties is to also represent the crown.
A number of senior armed service officers have previously carried out the duties of Australia’s Governor General. Given the ceremonial nature of the position and other duties, e.g. the country’s Chief Scout, a uniform often seems to go down well.
One could also observe that a former service officer has had ingrained into their training need to unstintingly serve their country in a non political manner and not themselves.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 15 January 2011 at 08:48 AM
There have been a number of unambiguous messages sent to the PNG people from the floor of their Parliament.
Firstly, the PNG Opposition is still in the minority (65 to 23), and would not be able to mount a successful 'no confidence' vote even if one was allowed by the acting Speaker.
Clearly those in the current government are not concerned about reported corruption, malfeance and maladministration by their own members.
Why is it that one is tempted to ask? The obvious answer must be that the members of the government are just too focussed on maintaining their power at any cost.
Secondly, the majority of the elected representatives have voted for one of their own number.
The message from this action must be that no one in government is either able to see any problem or perceive any problem in having a Governor General who has reportedly, a very dubious public background and history.
Given these conclusions, what hope is there that future government decisions will be altruistically made in the best interests of the PNG people?
Thirdly, what might happen if the people of Bougainville decide to succeed? That would mean Mr Ogio would be ineligible under PNG's Constitution. How short sighted would today's decision then be shown to be?
Finally, there appeared to be some really worthwhile candidates, including some female candidates, whose names were initially raised.
Given the eventual outcome and how nominations were obtained, surely the integrity of the whole process must be questionable at best and at worst, a total farce.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 14 January 2011 at 08:46 PM
With due respect to those who are associates of the current power control games in Port Moresby, I wonder if any other Commonwealth country has ever nominated a parliamentarian as GG. Curious.
Posted by: Peter Kinjap | 14 January 2011 at 08:22 PM
Yes, very strange Barbara. I am eagerly awaiting the comments of a couple of other commentators to this blog. No names listed, but I will be watching.
Looks very much like the Mugabe regime. The power to hang on! Interesting days ahead, I would think?
Posted by: Colin Huggins | 14 January 2011 at 05:56 PM
A quick correction. Queen Elizabeth II is PNG's head of state. Michael Ogio will now be her representative!
Posted by: Matt Morris | 14 January 2011 at 04:46 PM
As Nanadai Asi comments, Michael Ogio already has an important job to do in the running of the country as a member of parliament.
Surely the role of Governor General should be given to a mature retired person who has already proved to be a good role model in some aspect of running the country, whether it is in the parliament, the law courts, the church, the public service, or in some form of community service.
It doesn't seem right that the parliament should just choose one of their own present sitting members to be the next Governor General.
Posted by: Barbara Short | 14 January 2011 at 03:52 PM
There are many posts on other sites about Ogio's suspect deals with logging companies during his time as Forestry Minister. Enough said. Maski he tainim bel.
There is also some criticism of PNG's response to the Queensland flood crisis - but I don't credit this. I think PNG has made a good and generous move in donating $4 million (compared to Indonesia's $1 million). Considering the GDP of PNG this is a significant contribution.
And there are volunteers going around the streets with wheelbarrows collecting money (see the local papers).
PNG people are generous to a fault. Do not criticise them for this. In proportion to their wealth this is a very generous contribution.
Thank you PNG (as an ex-Boggo Road Boy).
_________________
Well said, Peter. It has been my observation that when there is a natural disaster in Australia, our PNG mates are always digging deep to give us a hand. Australians appreciate this generosity a great deal - KJ
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 14 January 2011 at 02:50 PM
Yes, Peter, it is bizarre.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | 14 January 2011 at 02:13 PM
Absolutely absurd. The new GG elect is a current sitting member of parliament already entrusted with higher responsibilities, nationally and of course internationally.
If he has not significantly delivered during his stint as a national minister, especially on the appalling state of current educational infrastructure across the country, what difference will he make in leading PNG to prosperity as opposed to corruption, poverty etc?
Why can't we amend appointment procedures for the GG post? Over to you for further comments.
Posted by: Nanadai Asi | 14 January 2011 at 02:06 PM
Sir Paulias - I salute you. I met you just a few times, but you were an intelligent person who cared very much about PNG and was above party politics, and was proud of this fact.
For this I have great respect for you and your legacy.
All the best for the future!
Please write some more books.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 14 January 2011 at 01:13 PM
We now have a new GG. He is Michael Ogio of Bougainville. He received 65 votes. The second candidate was Sir Pato Kakaraya with 23 votes, whilst there were 8 informal votes.
We will start packing our few things on Monday next week. By 7th next month, we will go home to ENBP.
I have been informed that there will be a big welcome ceremony for us when we arrived by the people of my province for my productive six-year term as GG.
Posted by: Paulias Matane | 14 January 2011 at 01:09 PM
This sadly appears to be an appointment to promote blatant political interests in contrast to the spirit if not the written protocols of the 'separation of powers' in the Westminster system.
To appoint a sitting member and Minister to the position of Governor-General calls into question the commitment of PNG to maintaining true democratic institutions.
It seems to be moving closer to the consolidation of power in one group of vested interests - more appropriate to a one-party state like Zimbabwe.
It would be rather like Gillard appointing Rudd to be GG in Australia, or (rather more extreme) the UK moving to appoint Margaret Thatcher as Queen.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 14 January 2011 at 12:58 PM