‘Go swim in Morata swamp’

PUBLIC Employees Association president Michael Malabag has told departmental heads and heads of statutory organisations to go “swim in Morata swamp” next time they face trouble in their work.
Mr Malabag said this on Monday night when expressing annoyance that many did not turn up for the launch of the Public Service Commission (PSC) corporate plan 2009-13 at the PNG Institute of Public Administration hall.
He suggested that their absence might be because of the venue and the absence of alcohol.
“This is a humble launch compared with others at major hotels with much fanfare and consumption of alcohol, which do not succeed.
“There are always too much fanfare and drinking, no wonder the plans do not get implemented.”
Mr Malabag said the absences of departmental heads were noted.
“Many of them, when they get into trouble or their jobs are on the line, they run to the PSC,” Mr Malabag said.
“They are giving excuses that they are very busy somewhere else and cannot make it.
“It is very annoying.
“The next time they have trouble in their employment, tell them to go swim in Morata swamp,” Mr Malabag said.
He said when public servants were sacked or suspended they go to  PSC to seek redress.
“How many departmental heads and heads of statutory organisations are here tonight? I thank those who came here to witness this most significant event today,” he said.
Mr Malabag said the country had recently witnessed the launch of Vision 2050 and the onus was now on the public service to deliver the vision in serving the interest of the people.
He said the failure by heads of departments and statutory bodies to attend important gatherings such as the launch was a very bad start to implementing Vision 2050.
“I encourage every public servant to embrace the vision and take it on board.”
Mr Malabag said the PEA executives were there in full force to witness the significant event.