Knight returns to rescue PNG

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By HELEN TARAWA
FORMER Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta says he is back in politics to change the government.
The Moresby North-West MP-elect said he had “footprints” helping build PNG alongside former prime ministers Sir Michael Somare, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Sir Julius Chan  and Pius Wingti.
“I’m coming back because I’m worried about this country and its future,” Sir Mekere said.
“I won’t stand by and watch anyone destroying PNG and what we built.
“I had two choices, either to sit on the sidelines and criticise or get in there and play the game and that’s what I’ve chosen to do — to get in there and change the game,” he said.
The Moresby North-West declaration was conducted by assistant election manager Kavanamur Bale three hours after the announcement, following the unavailability of returning officer Moka Havara.
Sir Mekere said PNG had changed its democratic character,  with freedom of speech, association and the freedom of press now being controlled.
“These are bad signs so I’ve come to work with the young like-minded leaders to make sure that we have a quality, ethical government, one that has the best interests of the people at heart,” he said.
“It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure that with the alliances we have, we are building up the numbers to change this government.”
Sir Mekere said PNG was sick and it would  take a disciplined, moral and open government to rebuild the processes, structures and institutions of governance.
He said the last five years had seen gross mismanagement of public finance, destruction of the instructions of State and lack of good governance.
“Those are the problems that we face now,” Sir Mekere said. “With my experience, I’m happy to work with any prime minister — except Peter O’Neill — to rebuild PNG and give everyone a chance to benefit.”