MARAPE’S DECISION DEFICIENCY

MARAPE’S DECISION DEFICIENCY*

Wednesday 5 June 2024

Approved for release – Recently some political commentators who blindly endorse Hon James Marape as the Prime Minister, decried the Opposition’s push for a VONC, arguing that “a change in the Prime Minister will not fix the problems the country has.” This is where they are wrong. Decisions have the power to affect people and the decisions, or indecision, of a Prime Minister, affect the nation. This is the most important leadership quality that evades Marape – the innate ability to make decisions that are in the country’s best interests. 

If Marape was serious about the country, he would make the following decisions to save PNG: 

1) Review the national budget and cut spending, stop borrowing, and reduce taxes. 

2) Give the Central Bank their independence back. 

3) Stop printing money at the Central Bank. 

4) Stop Connect PNG and other pork-barrel programs. 

5) Give each province Block Grants and greater autonomy. 

6) Stay out of all negotiations for extractive industry projects. 

7) Cancel the monopoly Puma has on fuel supply to the country and open competition. 

8) Privatize PNG Power and Air Niugini so they can be competitive and profitable. 

9) Appoint a Cabinet based on merit and not reward political “yes” men and appoint a competent Treasurer. 

10) Resign as the Prime Minister for being unable to make the preceding 9 decisions. 

The above decisions would immediately stop the fuel crisis, cost-of-living crisis, and create jobs, and eventually stop blackouts, flight cancelations, and create mass employment. This is the power of decision. Marape just does not have it. We judge MPs by their actions. Therefore, what is Marape waiting for after 5 years, to make the above decisions? 

Here’s another one. Can the Prime Minister James Marape sack Police Commissioner David Manning, for his alleged rape, that has gone viral on social media? This decision would restore confidence in the RPNGC and mitigate our law-and-order crisis? What is Marape waiting for?  

Marape’s inability to make decisions has exacerbated the various crises affecting the nation and this incompetence cannot continue. It is time for a new PM who can make decisions. 

*ENDS*

Authorised for release by:

Hon. James Nomane, MP

Deputy Leader of the Opposition 

Shadow Minister for Treasury, Finance, Economy and Rural Development

Member for Chuave 

*#SavePNG, #HardReset, #Opposition*