Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu Criticizes PNG PM Marape's Legacy of Erratic Decision-Making and Empty Statements

Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu vehemently criticized Prime Minister James Marape, accusing him of a consistent pattern of erratic decision-making and empty rhetoric that has become his enduring legacy.

Mr. Iduhu highlighted the Prime Minister's apparent lack of regard for law, logic, policy, and common sense, identifying it as a concerning trend since Marape assumed office. The Member of Parliament urged his colleagues not to remain silent on what he described as low levels of leadership, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Enumerating examples from the current month, Mr. Iduhu raised several issues:

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Cabinet Reshuffling Controversy:
Prime Minister Marape's recent haste in reshuffling the cabinet drew strong criticism from Iduhu. The attempt to appoint a minister to oversee constitutional offices, traditionally independent since independence, resulted in public backlash and intervention by the Ombudsman Commission. The Prime Minister, in response, opted to backtrack, changing the ministry's name and reducing the minister's roles and responsibilities. Mr. Iduhu suggested that this embarrassment could have been avoided with proper constitutional advice.

Review of Additional Company Tax on BSP:
The MP highlighted the Prime Minister's announcement of a review of the detrimental Additional Company Tax imposed on BSP in 2022. Despite warnings from financial experts and analysts, the government had initially stood by the tax. Mr. Iduhu criticized the lack of regard for fairness and the subsequent decision to review the tax law after its negative impact on the banking sector.

Puma Energy Fuel Crisis:
Iduhu pointed out the contradiction between Prime Minister Marape's recent statement assuring the public about the energy crisis and Puma Energy's quick announcement of rationing fuel supply within 24 hours. The inconsistency raised concerns about the government's ability to manage and address critical issues effectively.

Youth Employment Promises:
Mr. Iduhu criticized the Prime Minister's promises to unemployed youths, particularly highlighting the lack of concrete policies and job creation initiatives. He questioned the effectiveness of the Prime Minister's approach to addressing the youth bulge issue and the absence of substantial plans to support his statements.

Labeling it as the "Marape Manifesto," Iduhu described the Prime Minister's tendency to make poor decisions, face criticism, and then backtrack without a coherent strategy. He emphasized the reckless and unacceptable nature of such decision-making, lacking coordination, fact-checking, research, accountability, and evidence-based approaches.

Mr. Iduhu expressed the dissatisfaction of formally employed tax-paying citizens, industry leaders, and business heads with the Prime Minister's statements that seemingly lack substance. He also voiced the public's frustration with continuous grandstanding, major announcements, and unfulfilled promises. Accusing the government of being reactive rather than proactive, Mr. Iduhu called on his colleagues to address the weaknesses in the Prime Minister's leadership, urging constructive and critical dialogue over self-worshipping statements.

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