Priority is to fix Pangu leadership

THE power-wrestling for the prime ministerial post among our parliamentarians within Pangu Pati is neither peculiar nor foreign as many would think.
This existed during the late Sir Michael Somare’s reign as Pangu leader and prime minister which saw Paias Wingti break away and formed the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and, years later, saw prime ministerial responsibility transferred from the Mamose region to the New Guinea Islands through the elevation of the Sir Rabbie Namaliu (deceased) as prime minister.
The forefathers of the nation were open-minded, sensitive and acted responsibly when it came to the collective interest of the nation and the people of Papua New Guinea.
The prime ministerial post was never personalised nor treated as their individual birthright.
That was the spirit of genuine leadership.
When many of us say Sir Michael Somare is the “father of the nation”, we say this in the context of the fatherly leadership standing and statesmanship he held over this nation by ensuring national interest and wellbeing of PNG stayed ahead of other parochial interests.
The current generation of our elected leaders portray greed and self-centredness when it comes to the prime ministerial post.
This slanderous political behavior has made the prime ministerial post a personalised luxurious and lucrative post than a public top job.
The infightings, tussles and feuds that have led to the crossings of floors and jumping ships can be easily solved in-house by Pangu itself. This is why political parties have constitutions and rules to govern their operations.
When leaders within a political party are not happy with certain leadership issues, then that must be placed on the table.
That is why political parties have caucus consisted of party members, officials and elected leaders who can sit down and openly discuss important issues affecting the party.
Obviously, many leaders cross floors and jump ships when their political party or parties failed to operate transparently, or being hindered or hijacked by a self-serving stubborn party leader and officials who lack decisiveness in decision making over important and sensitive issues.
The current political turmoil over prime ministerial post within the Pangu Pati needs to be settled in-house.
Rainbo Paita and his followers should return to Pangu and James Marape should put the prime ministerial post on the table.
After all, two-third of the country want to see a change in government, meaning a new prime minister.
This move will also protect the party’s national interest and likewise, stabilise governance in unity with its coalition partners.
Over to you, Pangu Pati executives.

Morobean
Port Moresby