DSIP funds are not for numbers game

 PAPUA New Guinea’s laws created in parliament were to either improve or deter something. 

There used to be very sizable numbers on both sides of the floor and debates were usually hot. 

The Government was constantly tested and the fear of a vote-of-no-confidence was anyone’s guess and always looms around the corner. 

The Opposition was just vibrant and capable as the government.

 Look at the situation today, where about less than five MPs are in the Opposition while the rest are packed into the Government from the front right to the very back seats. 

We saw two MPs switching parties again and one new MP just jumped into the government pool as well. 

One previous government made amendments to some acts or laws governing District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and now it is contributing to the downfall of the opposition. 

I am not a political scientist but I have a gut feeling that the DSIP funds of K10 million per year is the catch. 

In one term of parliament, the total is K50 million. 

An MP’s salaries, perks and privileges will still not exceed K10 million in one term. 

Although the DSIP funds come under strict guidelines, the MP as the chairman is just enough to get all of them singing and marching to the government camp. 

The Government should not use the DSIP funds for political number games. 

Once budget is passed, all district accounts should be credited the K10 million and end of story. 

One or two electorates have suffered because their MPs were vocal and outstanding in the opposition. 

MPs are jumping into the ruling party or government because if they do not deliver any services to the electorate, their return for a second term hangs in the air.

DSIP funds are the MPs’ lifeline. He or she must deliver as much as possible while still enjoying the usual commissions.

Government should unleash the chain around MPs necks by making regular payments of DSIP funds into district treasuries regardless of MPs allegiance to the two camps or the ruling party. 

Government is directly manipulating what rightfully belongs to the people to keep itself in power and control. 

I think if the DSIP funds are kept away from the floor of the “haus tambaran”, the former glory days of the Opposition will begging to re-emerge. 

Without this we can sing until the cows come home.

Gomatultul

Badili, NCD