Debate ‘unnecessary’

A MEMBER of Parliament from the Government ranks has described the Opposition’s calls for a public debate as unnecessary, undiginfied and something that would only serve their political interests.
Vice Minister for Treasury Solen Loifa’s made this comments after Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane last week challenged Prime Minister James Marape, and the minister assisting him on treasury matters Ian Ling-Stuckey to have a public debate on the national economy.
“I will take them to task and demonstrate in front of the whole country that both smooth-talking treasurers are reckless in their economic management,” he said in a statement.
However, Loifa in a statement on Thursday said: “When the elected leaders choose alternate venues to debate public policies or issues of national interest outside of the National Parliament, it dilutes its prominence as the revered people’s house.
“They have stood gracefully with dignity to address national issues patriotically at the rightful venue. When the elected leaders choose alternate venues to debate public policies or issues of national interest outside of the National Parliament, it dilutes its prominence as the revered people’s house,” Loifa said.
However, Nomane said that how the economy was managed “affects everyone”.
“This is not political point-scoring, it’s about the lives of our people and the opportunities they have for a prosperous future,” Nomane said.
“They must come out for an open, public debate, because for the last five years, Marape and Ling-Stuckey have made pronouncements that everything is alright, that the economy is growing, demonstrating total ignorance and denial to the grim reality affecting Papua New Guineans.”
Loifa, the Menyamya MP, instead urged the Opposition to talk about their policies as the alternative government. He added that there was no need for unnecessary public stress and anxiety when debating matters outside of National Parliament.
“Unnecessary rallies and gatherings have caused public anxiety and political groupings that disrupts work, businesses and services. I am happy and willing to debate issues with him on the floor about the work we are doing and challenges we are facing in our districts and also the issues of national importance,” Loifa said.
However, Chuave MP Nomane warned that the social contract between the Government and the people was eroding.
“Marape’s erratic and superficial handling of the economy does not include job growth as the primary indicator of the economy’s health, given our youth bulge and high attrition rates in education,” he said.
He said the social contract had been “replaced with nonsensical decisions, glib promises, self-interest, and inequity.”