By PILA WASU
MEMBER for Talasea and Deputy Speaker of National Parliament Francis Marus has promised to maintain the existing but deteriorating infrastructure and asked the people of Talasea not to see him for free cash handout.
Mr Marus said this while addressing more than 600 people who gathered at the Hoskins airport to officially welcome him.
Mr Marus said there would not be any free cash handout from the National Parliament or anywhere in Port Moresby.
“Previous leaders worked in isolation in Port Moresby and dished out cash to cronies.
“This will not happen with me and any subordinates who work under me,” Mr Marus said.
He said he would not work in isolation and asked elites from the province to work in collaboration with him and his staff to improve the living standards of the people in the Talasea electorate.
“My people do not need to go and develop other places, they must come home and do what they can to develop Talasea, Kimbe, Bialla, Hoskins and Bali-Vitu Islands,” he said.
Mr Marus also promised to spend most of his time in the electorate with the people.
He said he would not waste his time going around like other leaders who go into hiding in Port Moresby once they get elected.
He had always remained in the province and had promised to spend 75% of his time with the people in the electorate.
Mr Marus also thanked the Prime Minister and his government for the confidence and trust they had in him.
He said the confidence and trust was for the people of Talasea electorate and the people of West New Britain.
He said he was voted unopposed and vowed to be fair in both the Government and Opposition.
He said the position of the Deputy Speaker is the third highest position in the Commonwealth and he would uphold the constitution of the House of Parliament with dignity.