MPs or treasurers?

EVERY time we read about an MP being given several millions of kina for so-called special projects for his electorate, we, the majority of the citizens don’t understand why politicians are given such a huge amount of money and what sort of projects they are talking about.
These so-called special projects are yet to be seen by voters as there is no evidence of tangible projects in almost all the electorate in the country except major urban centres.
Those few infrastructure in some parts of the country such roads and bridges, aid posts, schools, etc, are being built by big foreign companies, who are involved in exploiting our natural resources.
There is hardly any Government improvement since independence and the situation remains just about the same as during the pre-colonial and kiap era in most rural areas of PNG.
I thought the people voted these so-called leaders to represent and serve their interests in Parliament, of which their primary role is to debate on important bills and to pass best legislation and policies.
They are not voted into Parliament to play the role of treasurers, kiaps, district or provincial treasurers in their respective electorate.
A project in the PNG context can mean anything from family and wantok’s projects, ghost projects to whatever projects under the sun.
The talk is so sweet but there is no evidence of such projects.
I thought the definition of the word politician means a legislator or lawmaker and not cash carrier.
Politicians are supposed to concentrate on policymaking and not carrying cash around, thus leading them to vulnerable situations and subsequent abuse and corruption.
They are supposed to declare only their personal and family assets once they get elected into Parliament and not providing financial reports to the Office of the Rural Development or the Ombudsman Commission every year.
They should concentrate on laws and policies, and looking ahead to make wise decisions for the betterment of our country and future generations.
I am pleased with Dame Carol Kidu as she is the only MP who has sponsored and successfully passed many bills and laws in Parliament.
She has done a lot for the good of our country and full credit must be given to the voters of Moresby South for voting a genuine politician and legislator.
The Electoral Commission must set some guidelines for candidates to qualify before they nominate to contest the elections.
Politicians must be concerned for the well-being and future of our country.

Steven Supi Palisa
Port Moresby