I REFER to various negative comments made recently by a certain minister regarding the economic performance of PNG.
This particular minister said that PNG was experiencing economic growth but that it was not reflected in the living standards of the people.
The people are said to be living below the poverty level and so forth.
In PNG, it is a common practice for leaders to say that the country is a naturally resource-rich nation but its people are very poor.
Whatever the leader says will have a profound impact on the people and their lives.
If a leader continuously paints a negative picture, then this gives no hope and future to the citizens.
If a leader speaks positively, this gives added strength to the citizens in the midst of the negative situations and circumstances.
For instance, during the Second World War, British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill had only one message – “Do not give up” and the end result was victory.
If you watch American or Chinese politicians making public statements, one will hardly hear them saying negative things.
They will make it their business to boast and brag about their country.
They will paint a good picture.
That is being patriotic and loyal.
Therefore, I appeal to our leaders in all levels to speak positively.
I have four friends from a foreign country and I do not hear them talking negatively about their country.
I ask many questions about their country but it is amazing no one say something negative about their country.

Mamando Pain
Laiagam