Businessman hails people’s patience

By JEFFREY ELAPA
A prominent Papua New Guinean businessman has applauded the people of PNG for upholding the spirit of democracy in the past weeks leading to the political upheaval.
Lae businessman Mathew Minape said the people remained calm despite the immense political pressure which threatened to divide state institutions and bring chaos.
Minape said the political power struggle almost brought the country to its knees but the people speaking almost 800 different languages stayed calm.
“Our democracy is very much vibrant and alive despite grabbing world attention that it could collapse in the face of adversity,” he said.
He said recent political uprising in Arab countries led to demonstrations and bloodshed as ethnic groups and civilians clashed with authorities.
“We have proven to the world that Papua New Guineans are more politically intelligent than any democracy in the world as no single life was lost nor was there bloodshed among the citizens despite having 800 different languages and cultures as it happens in countries like Africa and the Middle East,’’ he said.
“Politics was part of traditional PNG and, therefore, we have
proven that we are politically matured,” Minape said.
He said the country must accept that the governor-general had recognised the O’Neill-Namah government to end the week-long stalemate.
“At least we have to acknowledge out people for upholding the rule of law and the constitution, while importantly recognising the separation of powers that govern our country, “he said.