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It’s war on NA
By YEHIURA HRIEHWAZI
THE campaign to form the next government
began in earnest yesterday, with the fight to remove Prime Minister Sir
Michael Somare’s party, launched on three different fronts.
Former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta and former treasurer Bart
Philemon declared yesterday in Aitape, West Sepik province, that they
were forming the next government.
In Western Highlands, Governor Paias Wingti urged his people to
dismantle the National Alliance Party, while People’s Labour Party
leader Peter Yama told a crowd in Madang the NA could not be trusted as
partners in government.
But NA officials in Port Moresby told reporters that in five years,
their government had achieved more than others, and on that record
alone, they should be returned to form the next government for
continuity.
Sir Mekere and Mr Philemon were in Aitape to endorse their candidates
Maran Nataleo and Kevin Yaka for the Aitape Open seat held by National
Alliance strongman and Forest Minister Patrick Pruaitch.
Mr Philemon is also backing Clement Tumana for West Sepik Regional seat
held by Governor Carlos Yuni.
A crowd in Aitape shouted “rausim em”, when Mr Philemon asked if they
wanted to remove Sir Michael as Prime Minister and his National Alliance
Government.
“For the first time, Sir Mekere and I have come together, here in Aitape.
Now we (have) formed the new government here in Aitape,” and the crowd
roared in support.
“As sure as the sun rises and goes down at night, the new government is
now formed in Aitape,” declared Mr Philemon, the leader of the New
Generation Party.
Mr Philemon made a whirlwind helicopter flight into Wosera, Bongkos,
Yasip (East Sepik province) and then flew to Nuku, Aitape and Lumi (in
Sandaun province) to campaign for his candidates.
Everywhere he went, the crowd screamed; “Rausim em” – in pidgin meaning
“get rid of him” in reference to Sir Michael Somare.
Even in Wosera, where the people were reported to have “repented” from
withdrawing their support for Sir Michael, people have accused this
reporter of misrepresenting the real situation on the ground in
reference to a story on Monday relating to Sir Michael’s nomination at
Ugutakua village.
The Wosera people in Bukuwi yesterday said they wanted Sir Michael
removed and expressed support for East Seoik regional candidate Mr Greg
Maisen.
Mr Maisen accompanied Mr Philemon and former finance secretary Thaddeus
Kambanei on the tour yesterday.
Today, they are expected to fly into Prime Minister Minister Sir
Michael’s village, Karau in the Murik lakes region, to campaign against
the chief.
Meanwhile, Lands Minister Dr Puka Temu and NA president Simon Kawi
rejected criticisms and attacks on the NA, saying what they have
achieved in five years was a record.
Dr Temu said there is a real possibility, on the basis of NA’s
performance, that PNG would for the first time, have a government that
would continue for a second term after a general elections.
The minister and president Kawi expressed confidence in the candidates
they had chosen.
 
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