Continue reforms for better future

PRIME Minister James Marape has a cool and composed character in the midst of crisis.
He praised MPs who betrayed him, respected the judiciary even when decisions were not in his favour, asked people not to hate the Opposition and brushed aside the rumours that Barrick Niugini Ltd was behind the Opposition.
He even congratulated Aitape-Lumi MP and National Alliance party leader Patrick Pruaitch when he was nominated as alternative prime minister.
When he knew that his post as PM was under threat, he continued to be optimistic in rolling out reforms and said that his short stint would regulate government practice in times ahead.
Even under period of the looming motion of no confidence, he said several times that the prime minister’s seat was not his birth right and anyone could take up the post.
Such traits have never been the character of any former prime minister.
These traits set a benchmark and true to his words, this month of political turmoil and upheavals prove beyond reasonable doubt that the leadership legacy Marape is setting will teach future prime ministers on how to treat the position – never to treat it as if it is their birthright.
I appeal to Marape to continue reforming the systems beneficial for Papua New Guineans.
Industrialised nations such as United States of America, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Russia and even Singapore have all employed reforms in their systems of governance to suit their local needs to be where they are today.
Reforms can easily be proposed and pushed through but change never happens in just two to three years. We should be optimistic and be committed to support Marape’s government if we want to see tangible service delivery and advancement.
The only thing citizens will want to see through these trying times of sacrifices will be the prudent management of government funds.
We want practical management and applicability of reforms to better the lives of people.
We cannot sacrifice our needs just so that parliamentarians can have the upper hand to involve in corrupt dealings.
We believe in this government so it has to prove us right.
We are all here to stay, this is our country and it will be our children’s country. Our children should live in a country where they have opportunities to advance in whatever they want to engage in.
Individuals cannot do it at their own level and locality.
We need life-changing reforms that can completely overhaul this richly blessed nation.
I am willing to fight for the Government to take half my pay as tax to drive its reforms to change this nation for a better tomorrow.
Business houses should sacrifice to pay half their earnings to government funds.
Better days never come without a storm.

Peter Angra Kopa, Baura Village