Dump law: Chan
By HARLYNE JOKU
NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan yesterday called for the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates to be scrapped, a call promptly rejected by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare’s office.
Speaking at the Waigani Seminar, the former Prime Minister said the law should be done away with because it promoted dictatorship.
Sir Julius said the law, in his view, impinges on the right of Members of Parliament to vote on conscience.
He said it does not allow MPs to take part in a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.
“My view of the grace period, whether it is six months or 18 months, is that any mandatory powers bestowed unchecked are extremely dangerous and overpowering the Prime Minister with unlimited authority to command at will,” Sir Julius said.
“The attorney-general and public prosecutor can do nothing because the Prime Minister cannot be removed except by a vote of no-confidence”, which constitutionally, can only be moved after 18 months.
“Our Constitution unintentionally provides protection for a specified period even for a dictator, terrorist or even a stupid insane person in office for such a period,” Sir Julius said.
He described the current situation as “typical of an almost untouchable Prime Minister”.
“The difference between Robert Mugabe (president of Zimbabwe) and Papua New Guinea is that Mugabe assumed dictatorship powers whereas in PNG, they are legalised throughout the grace period,” he said.
But a spokesperson for the Prime Minister hit out at Sir Julius, describing him as “the father of instability” who wanted to see PNG return to the days of instability and unpredictability.
“We’ve experienced stability for the last few years and experienced economic growth.
“I don’t think anyone wants to go back to the days of constant changes,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s a little bit rash and exaggerated to compare PNG to Zimbabwe, considering the lives lost there.
“I’m sure the people of Zimbabwe would really love to be in this country.”
The integrity law was enacted by Parliament in 2000 by the Government led by Sir Mekere Morauta. It was designed to bring stability to politics by limiting votes of no-confidence.
In his political life, Sir Michael had faced nine votes of no-confidence, but has never introduced one himself, his spokesperson said.
“He has always gone back to the people for the mandate (during elections).”
In the twilight of his career, Sir Michael is likely to be in the top office for 10 years, the longest any prime minister would have served in PNG’s history.
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