Criticise but give credit to O’Neill for achievements

THE letter by Kanau Kouzz in the other daily newspaper is personal attack on me and gives the impression that I am campaigning for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

It bears political overtones against the best performing government since independence. 

Let me clarify the intention of my articles and any misguided perceptions by people such as Kanau Kouzz. 

Critics of the O’Neill Government are entitled to their opinions, which is healthy for a modern democracy like Papua New Guinea. 

But it would be proper if these critics get their arguments down to ground level instead of flying their kites above and devoid of the realities that we face in PNG. 

Our people know the achievements of the O’Neill Government and know their Prime Minister well enough for me not to explain further. 

However, let me point out a very significant development that most of you may not be aware of. 

The Highlands Region is now fully connected with fibre optics to provide high speed internet access, thanks to the O’Neill Government for establishing to DataCo to make this possible. 

The last missing link is about 170km which is between Porgera in Enga and Tari in Hela, which will cost about K40 million and enable this populous region to have access to high speed internet access. 

The missing link cuts across the site that will host the proposed Western Pacific University, which is another O’Neill achievement. 

The contradiction is that past governments have never considered establishing a university in a remote location. 

How about the wharf upgrade in Kimbe and how about the airport terminal upgrade at Kagamuga?

If I continue here on O’Neill’s achievements there won’t be any space. 

Critics’ comments are respected but the contradictions obviously incline to cheap politics with zero substance. 

Let me reiterate that this country has seen many Prime Ministers in its 40 years of independence and what we have experienced was political numbo jumbo that revolved around personal ego and gain. 

This must change and we have a Prime Minister who is not only capable but that has an eagle’s eye view of the future of this country beyond the horizon.

Therefore, it is important to allow his leadership to continue for another term so that he can complete what he started. 

I have no personal relationship with O’Neill or his People’s National Congress Party and not do benefit personally from this government. 

But what makes me feel compelled to expound on O’Neill’s leadership is how he is seriously embarking on structural changes to consolidate state financial position to finance key sovereign infrastructures which will underpin micro economic activities and realise our economic potential to increase productivity. 

O’Neill does not need cheap shots from critics who are only interested in benefitting from a change of government.

Nonetheless, it is healthy to be critical of the O’Neill Government’s performance and I appreciate those who participate in this forum to keep the political discussion alive. 

Samson Wena 

Kerowagi, Chimbu