Topic: Politics and Security in the Pacific Region.
Discussion Paper: Papua New Guinea-Super power within Pacific?
By David Ephraim Cloudiuz
Introductions:
This paper aims to highlight new challenges faced by Papua New Guinea as growing democracy within Asia Pacific region. It tries to highlight regional events and Papua New Guinea’s political position and how it is passive to be seen by its neighbours. It reflects on challenges of political understanding and maturity of political statements on development challenges faced in Papua New Guinea.
It is my hope that this paper will aim to address some very important issues through my understanding as a young person. And how I can contribute towards stimulating constructive intellectual debate to improve Papua New Guinea’s growing needs and challenges
“I hate to love Politics but I love not to hate Politics” dcephraim 2009
1. Papua New Guinea – Political stability and Maturity
Today with increasing opportunities for investment and political stability let’s examine the politics of Papua New Guinea; challenges it faces and let’s ask the question of Stability and Maturity.
Since the introductions of Integrity of Political Parties Bill, we have seen great political stability since Independence.
The success of political stability has helped the ruling political party and its coalition to continue their policies aimed to improve the level of development in this country.
The question of real political culture in Papua New Guinea is still unknown given many political parties and most of them do not have sound philosophical base, in fact all the political parties have similar manifestos. This totally reflects the diverse cultures and traditional norms people have about western ideals when it comes to politics or the Papua New Guinea way of Politics. The process of civil society and politics in Papua New Guinea is totally linked to tribal groupings and the linguistics links.
Over years Papua New Guinea’s development growth has increased the level of understanding among its diverse tribes, today increasing level of identity and participation is demanded by over 800 speaking tribes and cultures. Participation is highly recognised and valued in democratic systems it reflects the type of ideals and culture people and their governments systems have.
But again the argument of real dominant political culture is uncertain in this young progressing democracy. In other words nearly every Papua New Guineans don’t think or are not interested to affiliate to any political parties on assumption that Politics means CORRUPTION.
Today, it is believed Wealth is the dominant political culture in Papua New Guinea. Wealth draws political supporters and wins support for policies. Nearly everyone that is elected into the National Parliament is believed to have used large sum of money or in some case used intimation through mobilization of tribal man to prey on weak voters. There are few leaders that have been elected on basis of social statues and policies to help develop Papua New Guinea.
The long struggle of election court disputes reflects the question of lack of transparency and accountability within election process. Papua New Guineans take Elections as crucial for their voices at the floor of national parliament.
The growing intellectual ideal on how to participate and being part of the process of development is beginning to divide this country. It is important that we work on strengthening and diversifying the process of intellectual growth with ideals that would try to strengthen our country, the ideals based on the five pillars of our constitutional goals and directive principles, while integrating different interest groupings into processes of politics and its development in this country.
Papua New Guinea is young progressing democracy with many opportunities and visions to follow, it is now important to strengthen our key political institutions to function to meet growing challenges and needs. There is a need to strengthen individual members to become more matured in politics in terms of political statements on policy challenges, state interest and geo-political developments within our region. Over years cabinet ministers and backbenchers have been making statements on policy challenges that do not agree to one and others statements.
eg. “Say, minister of books is saying they have committed millions of kina to roll out book development programs and books stores around the country will be able to meet every readers need; contrary to that some members of the ruling party and its coalition members make statements regarding Governments lack of funding and commitment to improve level of book distributions.”
This clearly indicates lack of understanding of political statements, when to say it. when not to say it; now the so-called rights of free speech can not be used to one’s views and opinions because this kind of attitude creates uncertainty among people about what Government is doing and based on division of opinions opportunist politics take shape and it de-stabilizes ruling party and sends out mix message about political systems to outside world.
So we have touched challenges of political culture, political statements now let’s look into greater regional and world politics how do we play this game. Today, the increasing level of divide between different blocs within international hegemonies like UN systems after the events of 9/11 and George Bushes doctrine of pre-emptive strike pushed forward by the so-called coalition of the willing mostly from western societies have transpired to divide world politics about the process used.
How does this affect PNG politics and its role in international level? It is important to draw the importance of international participation, which is the strength of PNG’s growth on basis of trade and development aid. It is now important to understand and address growing global challenges but also strengthening internal pillars of state to function effectively. The challenges of security and intelligence on treats of terrorism and trans-national crime mostly done to fund terrorism act must be clearly addressed. The lack of internal political understanding and commitment to improve states capacity to monitor and maintain high level of surveillance on national borders has already opened up illegal activities using PNG as the transit zone.
The lack of responds would put pressure on our government through its trading partners to improve security systems to meet treats posse to its interests, (investments) so we often see increasing level of security around foreign investments when faced with disputes by land owners.
The level of political statements to balance the conscience of ordinary people is very limited or lacking clearly shown by looting around the country recently targeting Chinese nationals. Not even one political leader was heard; rather the use of live bullets fired by Police brought everything under control with few reported deaths.
Again statements from Chinese Embassy and Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry called on Government to take control of the situation. When asked through an interview by Radio Australian journalist based in PNG; Chinese ambassador said simply for Government to take control of the situation and appropriate agency to deal with the challenge faced. This was simply diplomatic statement that our institutions are weak and infective and we need to do something about it.
With increasing investment and opportunities for our people our political leaders need to asses and make commitments that would help develop this nation. Too much of blaming each other has deprived real growth to channelled in improving livelihood of nearly 80% of our rural populace. Papua New Guinea now needs to embark of new political shift from blaming each other and base its politics in improving 80% of its rural population.
2. Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Plan and Regional challenges
At the 2003 Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, leaders realised growing challenges facing the island states and called on united front to meet growing challenges in strengthening national capabilities.
The establishment of Eminent Person’s Group (EPG) was to consults different interest groupings and report back to heads of state under secretariat support from Pacific Island Forum Secretariat based Suva, Fiji. In 2004, PIF leaders issued Auckland Declaration outlining their common vision for the Pacific.
The Pacific Plan was developed during 2004-2005 by the task force managed by PIF secretariat with intensive two year period of consultations building on the wide discussion held in the region by the EPG review. The Pacific Plan was endorsed by Leaders at the Pacific Island Forum meeting in October 2005 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Based on the Leaders’ vision and other decisions relating to its implementation, the goal of the Pacific Plan was to:
Enhance and stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security for the Pacific countries through regionalism.
“The Pacific Plan is an operational strategy with new opportunities for stakeholders to focus on regional priorities. It has been developed by Pacific people, for Pacific people, to support advocacy, collaboration, the harnessing of resources and provision of specialised goods and services, previously unavailable at the regional level.” (PIF pamphlet) Papua New Guineas’ role within Pacific Island Forum members is important but needs ongoing assessments given the larger population and domestic need greater to regional challenges.
The ongoing arguments about Pacific Plan being the centre of Australia and
New Zealand propaganda towards Pacific Island states due to high level of funding and advisory support it gives to progress the plan, others believe Pacific regionalism is simply giving Australia and New Zealand opportunity to be major play makers given the minor player in global relations they both play.
Whatever the arguments and ideals people have, Papua New Guinea now needs to review its regional participation and embark on new policies aimed to improve the level of participation from its citizens on issues affecting PNG and its interest within international scene.
Over years PIF leaders have adopted large number of declarations and commitments to improve level of regional integrations to strengthen national responds to challenges faced. Most of these incentives are largely funded through aid so the question of Pacific people’s needs and aspiration can not be met by its leaders rather plans are developed to meet donor criteria with limited funding from members states of the Forum.
Papua New Guinea’s strategic position between Pacific and Asia is vitally important and needs stronger political commitments and understanding about the role it plays and what can be gained out of belonging to regional blocs.
Given our size and population one needs wonder and ask why we don’t play host to regional institutional headquarters.
Given political developments in Fiji, Pacific Island Forum member states are now challenged with Fiji using its capacity to blame member states of listening to New Zealand and Australia and labelling their position simply a cheque book diplomacy decision. Fiji continues to blame Australia and New Zealand while maintaining no sign of change to its Government Systems under Military rule. Fiji’s strategic location helped Fiji developed under the expense of member states with many regional institutions based in Suva, Fiji.
Fiji’s Military Government knows the weight its carries and uses it to its advantage; while PIF is still arguing about what to do? Whatever PIF leaders chose will not make Frank Bainimarama change is position.
The decision made in Port Moresby in 2oo8 by Pacific Island Leaders was first of its kind and Fiji being the founding member was suspended from the PIF, there is no veto within PIF rather most of the decision are influenced by external support it gets from donor institutions. So Fiji’s argument was Australia and New Zealand is to be blamed for suspension of Fiji from the Forum. If it is true or not it seems that way but PIF Leaders have their own views and stand to the situation in Fiji.
Papua New Guinea’s opportunity make meaningful engagement with Fiji in hopes of bringing Fiji back to Democracy was faced with –Who are you attitude?
There was no Papua New Guinea’s approach rather two man show by the Prime Minister and its Foreign Affairs Minister again there was no cabinet decision or parliament decision and direction on PNG’s position about Fiji’s problems.
Many people argued about what can we gain out of supporting Fiji? Fiji has nothing to offer to us; it may be true but again it is important test of PNG’s role and its policies in dealing with international disputes and challenges within our region. In spite of these developments Papua New Guinea’s role within Pacific Island Forum is doubted and if we really are one of the super powers within the region? We are big in size but our politics has not transpired into meeting challenges within our region, we are too much confined to ourselves.
But it is important for Papua New Guinea to continue to address geo-political development challenges like West Papua, trans-border crimes and maintain continuing level of bi-lateral relations with Australia, Indonesia and Solomon Island, Northern Pacific states and including US territories like Guam and now Timor Lester. These are important strategic states, who share international boundaries with us it is important for us to continue to progress our interest in the very spirit of mutual respect and understanding on issues affecting our region.
Papua New Guinea has experienced strong bi-lateral engagement with Australia since gain of independence from them, Australia’s strategic and security interest is vital to relations with Papua New Guinea, Australia continues to support PNG through AID and technical assistance including ongoing Ministerial and Business summits. It is estimated that since PNG’S Independence Australia have spent over aus$15.4 billion in aid through Aus-Aid management programs, most of this money is consumed by so-called Consultants mostly from Australian National University and Lowy Institute.
A new change of directions taken by Kevin Rudd after his election victory over hardliner John Howard; in its first state visit since becoming Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea announcing new start of relations between PNG and Australia under the new partnership for development the Port Moresby Declarations also covers the Pacific island states. “Port Moresby Declaration is important for PNG and the Pacific launching in Port Moresby signifies Papua New Guinea as a super power within the Pacific” Kevin Rudd.
If the words of Kevin Rudd can mean anything to our Political leaders it still needs to be realised.
The importance of technical and aid assistance to PNG needs bi-partition parliamentary committee to consult with people and government and continue to engage in ongoing discussion about improving the level of aid and technical assistance provided.
With real economic growth strengthen by growing Asian economies like China and India it is vitally important for PNG government to develop strong policies that stands to guide states ability, while safe guarding its interest and the people’s interest. Over years many decision made on multi-lateral and bi-lateral agreements have not really trickle down to meet nearly 80% of rural populations rather it continues to favour Foreign Investments needs.
Papua New Guinea now needs to strengthen its rural population into macro- economic growth in promoting new incentives to improve the level of micro-economic access to credit, training and opportunities before we negotiate any new regional pacts it is important to improve the level of our large population to understand their position and participation.
3. Future
Papua New Guineas role within in Asia Pacific region is important and we need to asses and strengthen important strategic interest like increasing our level of participation at APEC and also lobby to be full member of ASEAN both are important path towards realising our geopolitical importance. Being Part of PIF is important but again our size and population demands more and we will often feel dragged behind by PIF on basis of trade and other important strategic interest. Being part of growing economies in Asia is vitally important for our country to grow. It is now that our Political leaders take necessary steps to strengthen our institutions to function and meet up to the image painted and passive by Kevin Rudd and other people about PNG’s role.
On my earlier account I made reference to PNG in the age of terrorism and new ideals within international institutions. Now Papua New Guinea is not immune to outside challenges and influences. It is important for our political leaders to build on new approaches based on growing needs of our people. Our political ideals are so much attached to events that have already transpired in other parts of the world. We need to learn from the experience and suffering most developing countries have gone through and let’s work on developing real home grown mechanism that can work to improve the livelihood of our people.
Over years our leaders and people continue to hear voices of hopelessness from lecture halls of Australian National University to regional academies that have continue to consume billions of dollars of donor aid through their involvements as consultants on PNG problems. (So-called PNG expects)
Our leaders need to wake up and draw up a strong road map for such aid and technical assistance we accept. It is time now to work on trying to improve our social statues by involving our own people rather than continue to rely on international opinions that are questionable.
The future is bright but only requires good and sound care to help pave a way forward.
I wish to conclude by quoting Sir Julius Chan’s statement made during his Prime Ministership.
“Although we are faced with some very destructive problems, if we can come out of Bougainville- which is man made and if we can come out of Rabaul- which is God’s act and if we can come out of this current economic crisis- which is leadership made- we will come out a better people”
Thank you.
God Bless Papua New Guinea
Please visit Destiny Asia Pacific blog http://asiapasifika.ning.com
By David Ephraim Cloudiuz
Introductions:
This paper aims to highlight new challenges faced by Papua New Guinea as growing democracy within Asia Pacific region. It tries to highlight regional events and Papua New Guinea’s political position and how it is passive to be seen by its neighbours. It reflects on challenges of political understanding and maturity of political statements on development challenges faced in Papua New Guinea.
It is my hope that this paper will aim to address some very important issues through my understanding as a young person. And how I can contribute towards stimulating constructive intellectual debate to improve Papua New Guinea’s growing needs and challenges
“I hate to love Politics but I love not to hate Politics” dcephraim 2009
1. Papua New Guinea – Political stability and Maturity
Today with increasing opportunities for investment and political stability let’s examine the politics of Papua New Guinea; challenges it faces and let’s ask the question of Stability and Maturity.
Since the introductions of Integrity of Political Parties Bill, we have seen great political stability since Independence.
The success of political stability has helped the ruling political party and its coalition to continue their policies aimed to improve the level of development in this country.
The question of real political culture in Papua New Guinea is still unknown given many political parties and most of them do not have sound philosophical base, in fact all the political parties have similar manifestos. This totally reflects the diverse cultures and traditional norms people have about western ideals when it comes to politics or the Papua New Guinea way of Politics. The process of civil society and politics in Papua New Guinea is totally linked to tribal groupings and the linguistics links.
Over years Papua New Guinea’s development growth has increased the level of understanding among its diverse tribes, today increasing level of identity and participation is demanded by over 800 speaking tribes and cultures. Participation is highly recognised and valued in democratic systems it reflects the type of ideals and culture people and their governments systems have.
But again the argument of real dominant political culture is uncertain in this young progressing democracy. In other words nearly every Papua New Guineans don’t think or are not interested to affiliate to any political parties on assumption that Politics means CORRUPTION.
Today, it is believed Wealth is the dominant political culture in Papua New Guinea. Wealth draws political supporters and wins support for policies. Nearly everyone that is elected into the National Parliament is believed to have used large sum of money or in some case used intimation through mobilization of tribal man to prey on weak voters. There are few leaders that have been elected on basis of social statues and policies to help develop Papua New Guinea.
The long struggle of election court disputes reflects the question of lack of transparency and accountability within election process. Papua New Guineans take Elections as crucial for their voices at the floor of national parliament.
The growing intellectual ideal on how to participate and being part of the process of development is beginning to divide this country. It is important that we work on strengthening and diversifying the process of intellectual growth with ideals that would try to strengthen our country, the ideals based on the five pillars of our constitutional goals and directive principles, while integrating different interest groupings into processes of politics and its development in this country.
Papua New Guinea is young progressing democracy with many opportunities and visions to follow, it is now important to strengthen our key political institutions to function to meet growing challenges and needs. There is a need to strengthen individual members to become more matured in politics in terms of political statements on policy challenges, state interest and geo-political developments within our region. Over years cabinet ministers and backbenchers have been making statements on policy challenges that do not agree to one and others statements.
eg. “Say, minister of books is saying they have committed millions of kina to roll out book development programs and books stores around the country will be able to meet every readers need; contrary to that some members of the ruling party and its coalition members make statements regarding Governments lack of funding and commitment to improve level of book distributions.”
This clearly indicates lack of understanding of political statements, when to say it. when not to say it; now the so-called rights of free speech can not be used to one’s views and opinions because this kind of attitude creates uncertainty among people about what Government is doing and based on division of opinions opportunist politics take shape and it de-stabilizes ruling party and sends out mix message about political systems to outside world.
So we have touched challenges of political culture, political statements now let’s look into greater regional and world politics how do we play this game. Today, the increasing level of divide between different blocs within international hegemonies like UN systems after the events of 9/11 and George Bushes doctrine of pre-emptive strike pushed forward by the so-called coalition of the willing mostly from western societies have transpired to divide world politics about the process used.
How does this affect PNG politics and its role in international level? It is important to draw the importance of international participation, which is the strength of PNG’s growth on basis of trade and development aid. It is now important to understand and address growing global challenges but also strengthening internal pillars of state to function effectively. The challenges of security and intelligence on treats of terrorism and trans-national crime mostly done to fund terrorism act must be clearly addressed. The lack of internal political understanding and commitment to improve states capacity to monitor and maintain high level of surveillance on national borders has already opened up illegal activities using PNG as the transit zone.
The lack of responds would put pressure on our government through its trading partners to improve security systems to meet treats posse to its interests, (investments) so we often see increasing level of security around foreign investments when faced with disputes by land owners.
The level of political statements to balance the conscience of ordinary people is very limited or lacking clearly shown by looting around the country recently targeting Chinese nationals. Not even one political leader was heard; rather the use of live bullets fired by Police brought everything under control with few reported deaths.
Again statements from Chinese Embassy and Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry called on Government to take control of the situation. When asked through an interview by Radio Australian journalist based in PNG; Chinese ambassador said simply for Government to take control of the situation and appropriate agency to deal with the challenge faced. This was simply diplomatic statement that our institutions are weak and infective and we need to do something about it.
With increasing investment and opportunities for our people our political leaders need to asses and make commitments that would help develop this nation. Too much of blaming each other has deprived real growth to channelled in improving livelihood of nearly 80% of our rural populace. Papua New Guinea now needs to embark of new political shift from blaming each other and base its politics in improving 80% of its rural population.
2. Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Plan and Regional challenges
At the 2003 Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, leaders realised growing challenges facing the island states and called on united front to meet growing challenges in strengthening national capabilities.
The establishment of Eminent Person’s Group (EPG) was to consults different interest groupings and report back to heads of state under secretariat support from Pacific Island Forum Secretariat based Suva, Fiji. In 2004, PIF leaders issued Auckland Declaration outlining their common vision for the Pacific.
The Pacific Plan was developed during 2004-2005 by the task force managed by PIF secretariat with intensive two year period of consultations building on the wide discussion held in the region by the EPG review. The Pacific Plan was endorsed by Leaders at the Pacific Island Forum meeting in October 2005 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Based on the Leaders’ vision and other decisions relating to its implementation, the goal of the Pacific Plan was to:
Enhance and stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security for the Pacific countries through regionalism.
“The Pacific Plan is an operational strategy with new opportunities for stakeholders to focus on regional priorities. It has been developed by Pacific people, for Pacific people, to support advocacy, collaboration, the harnessing of resources and provision of specialised goods and services, previously unavailable at the regional level.” (PIF pamphlet) Papua New Guineas’ role within Pacific Island Forum members is important but needs ongoing assessments given the larger population and domestic need greater to regional challenges.
The ongoing arguments about Pacific Plan being the centre of Australia and
New Zealand propaganda towards Pacific Island states due to high level of funding and advisory support it gives to progress the plan, others believe Pacific regionalism is simply giving Australia and New Zealand opportunity to be major play makers given the minor player in global relations they both play.
Whatever the arguments and ideals people have, Papua New Guinea now needs to review its regional participation and embark on new policies aimed to improve the level of participation from its citizens on issues affecting PNG and its interest within international scene.
Over years PIF leaders have adopted large number of declarations and commitments to improve level of regional integrations to strengthen national responds to challenges faced. Most of these incentives are largely funded through aid so the question of Pacific people’s needs and aspiration can not be met by its leaders rather plans are developed to meet donor criteria with limited funding from members states of the Forum.
Papua New Guinea’s strategic position between Pacific and Asia is vitally important and needs stronger political commitments and understanding about the role it plays and what can be gained out of belonging to regional blocs.
Given our size and population one needs wonder and ask why we don’t play host to regional institutional headquarters.
Given political developments in Fiji, Pacific Island Forum member states are now challenged with Fiji using its capacity to blame member states of listening to New Zealand and Australia and labelling their position simply a cheque book diplomacy decision. Fiji continues to blame Australia and New Zealand while maintaining no sign of change to its Government Systems under Military rule. Fiji’s strategic location helped Fiji developed under the expense of member states with many regional institutions based in Suva, Fiji.
Fiji’s Military Government knows the weight its carries and uses it to its advantage; while PIF is still arguing about what to do? Whatever PIF leaders chose will not make Frank Bainimarama change is position.
The decision made in Port Moresby in 2oo8 by Pacific Island Leaders was first of its kind and Fiji being the founding member was suspended from the PIF, there is no veto within PIF rather most of the decision are influenced by external support it gets from donor institutions. So Fiji’s argument was Australia and New Zealand is to be blamed for suspension of Fiji from the Forum. If it is true or not it seems that way but PIF Leaders have their own views and stand to the situation in Fiji.
Papua New Guinea’s opportunity make meaningful engagement with Fiji in hopes of bringing Fiji back to Democracy was faced with –Who are you attitude?
There was no Papua New Guinea’s approach rather two man show by the Prime Minister and its Foreign Affairs Minister again there was no cabinet decision or parliament decision and direction on PNG’s position about Fiji’s problems.
Many people argued about what can we gain out of supporting Fiji? Fiji has nothing to offer to us; it may be true but again it is important test of PNG’s role and its policies in dealing with international disputes and challenges within our region. In spite of these developments Papua New Guinea’s role within Pacific Island Forum is doubted and if we really are one of the super powers within the region? We are big in size but our politics has not transpired into meeting challenges within our region, we are too much confined to ourselves.
But it is important for Papua New Guinea to continue to address geo-political development challenges like West Papua, trans-border crimes and maintain continuing level of bi-lateral relations with Australia, Indonesia and Solomon Island, Northern Pacific states and including US territories like Guam and now Timor Lester. These are important strategic states, who share international boundaries with us it is important for us to continue to progress our interest in the very spirit of mutual respect and understanding on issues affecting our region.
Papua New Guinea has experienced strong bi-lateral engagement with Australia since gain of independence from them, Australia’s strategic and security interest is vital to relations with Papua New Guinea, Australia continues to support PNG through AID and technical assistance including ongoing Ministerial and Business summits. It is estimated that since PNG’S Independence Australia have spent over aus$15.4 billion in aid through Aus-Aid management programs, most of this money is consumed by so-called Consultants mostly from Australian National University and Lowy Institute.
A new change of directions taken by Kevin Rudd after his election victory over hardliner John Howard; in its first state visit since becoming Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea announcing new start of relations between PNG and Australia under the new partnership for development the Port Moresby Declarations also covers the Pacific island states. “Port Moresby Declaration is important for PNG and the Pacific launching in Port Moresby signifies Papua New Guinea as a super power within the Pacific” Kevin Rudd.
If the words of Kevin Rudd can mean anything to our Political leaders it still needs to be realised.
The importance of technical and aid assistance to PNG needs bi-partition parliamentary committee to consult with people and government and continue to engage in ongoing discussion about improving the level of aid and technical assistance provided.
With real economic growth strengthen by growing Asian economies like China and India it is vitally important for PNG government to develop strong policies that stands to guide states ability, while safe guarding its interest and the people’s interest. Over years many decision made on multi-lateral and bi-lateral agreements have not really trickle down to meet nearly 80% of rural populations rather it continues to favour Foreign Investments needs.
Papua New Guinea now needs to strengthen its rural population into macro- economic growth in promoting new incentives to improve the level of micro-economic access to credit, training and opportunities before we negotiate any new regional pacts it is important to improve the level of our large population to understand their position and participation.
3. Future
Papua New Guineas role within in Asia Pacific region is important and we need to asses and strengthen important strategic interest like increasing our level of participation at APEC and also lobby to be full member of ASEAN both are important path towards realising our geopolitical importance. Being Part of PIF is important but again our size and population demands more and we will often feel dragged behind by PIF on basis of trade and other important strategic interest. Being part of growing economies in Asia is vitally important for our country to grow. It is now that our Political leaders take necessary steps to strengthen our institutions to function and meet up to the image painted and passive by Kevin Rudd and other people about PNG’s role.
On my earlier account I made reference to PNG in the age of terrorism and new ideals within international institutions. Now Papua New Guinea is not immune to outside challenges and influences. It is important for our political leaders to build on new approaches based on growing needs of our people. Our political ideals are so much attached to events that have already transpired in other parts of the world. We need to learn from the experience and suffering most developing countries have gone through and let’s work on developing real home grown mechanism that can work to improve the livelihood of our people.
Over years our leaders and people continue to hear voices of hopelessness from lecture halls of Australian National University to regional academies that have continue to consume billions of dollars of donor aid through their involvements as consultants on PNG problems. (So-called PNG expects)
Our leaders need to wake up and draw up a strong road map for such aid and technical assistance we accept. It is time now to work on trying to improve our social statues by involving our own people rather than continue to rely on international opinions that are questionable.
The future is bright but only requires good and sound care to help pave a way forward.
I wish to conclude by quoting Sir Julius Chan’s statement made during his Prime Ministership.
“Although we are faced with some very destructive problems, if we can come out of Bougainville- which is man made and if we can come out of Rabaul- which is God’s act and if we can come out of this current economic crisis- which is leadership made- we will come out a better people”
Thank you.
God Bless Papua New Guinea
Please visit Destiny Asia Pacific blog http://asiapasifika.ning.com
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