Posted By Staff Reporter
PNG’s copy-paste constitution adopted from the British and Australians is still in its colonial form, wielding more powers to the rulers. Whatsoever the incumbent individuals prefer becomes the final solution. The PM’s post is typically occupied by a leading party in parliament, while the Ministry cabinets are shared among its affiliated party leaders under a common-understanding. So when the PM wants to ensure its demands are met, a direct call is made to the respective ministries to eventuate its missions. The PM remains the chairman to NEC and so calls the shots in every circumstance despite hindrances. The PM, through procedural-protocols, reserves the right to hire and fire whoever that is beneath the atmosphere of the government. This system has proceeded and facilitates the PM to be a systematic dictator. The elected ministers, commissioners, managing directors, CEOs, the Vice-Chancellors and the Ombudsman have all been entangled by a strain of string attached to the government of the day. The final recommendations made to anoint them is mandatorily done by the NEC. How can PNG rely on the Ombudsman Commission when it is in fact selected and appointed by the NEC? People under the NEC’s reliance-sphere are frequently engaged to uphold the highly-sensitive office. And when functional, they honour and execute the NEC’s ambitions. Failure to follow orders would lead to removal of powers and a new official is substituted with an aim to empower the NEC after all. This process is evident in every prestigious institution that usually provides the standardized operations for our nation. For instance, the recent UPNG protest that reacted upon O’Neil’s decisions erupted to a dead-end when the decentralized arm of the government went into the NEC’s shoes. As in the case of the students’ unrest, the PM gave directives to the Police Minister to contain it. The command was then conveyed to the Police Commissioner, and was promptly ordered down its hierarchy to the NCDC Police Metropolitan Superintendent. The MetSup mobilized troops and dispersed the peaceful protest and labelled it as an unofficial turmoil. Although the protest was legal under the constitution, the UPNG Vice-Chancellor also advised the students to leave the agendas to the parliamentarians and concentrate on studies. Their biased actions depict how the chain of commands respond to the PM. The structure of our systems are constrained under the knot tied by our laws, which allows the PM to use our mandated leaders as mere puppets. Therefore, we need a direct voice in parliament to guide our welfare. PNG must establish a mechanism such as the Citizens Initiative, which will consist of legal-voters who will have direct influence in parliament. Petrus GAND Anti-Corruption-Activist Next: PNG Is Systematically Rampant For Corruption Comments are closed.
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