Grand Chief’s final message

Main Stories, National
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The National, Tuesday 3rd January 2012

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare – in what is most probably his last New Year message to the nation as leader – has commended Papua New Guineans for showing maturity by not causing disharmony during the recent political crisis.
“As I bow out of politics in 2012, I ask people of this nation to continue to trust in your own people, both men and women as I have always done,” he said.
An official announcement has not been made.
“As a vibrant democracy, we witnessed the three arms of government in operation and the maturity of our people during the recent crisis.
“I commend all Papua New Guineans around the country who did not use the recent crisis to cause disharmony in your communities.”
Sir Michael said Papua New Guineans must remember that there were 109 members of parliament who represented their own constituencies, not by a handful of opportunists in Port Moresby.
“There is no need to arrange groups to protest in our capital over political developments. These groups do not represent individual constituencies around the country,” Sir Michael said.
“The best that we can do is to protect our Constitution and continue to uphold the law.
“The maturity demonstrated by our people in recent days is testimony of our faith in our future. Our destiny is in our own hands, not in the hands of outsiders.”
Sir Michael said that for this reason and as the founding prime minister, he had every confidence that the people of PNG would continue to put peace and harmony first to safeguard our future.
“We are a people whose cultures have not changed for thousands of years. As such many expect us to fail,” he said.
“But 36 years ago, we opened our door to the world to find ourselves faced with all the challenges of mo­dern times – a primitive people with the door wide open to new influences.
“Our psyche was not damaged over hundreds of years by colonialism. As a people, we endured such a short period of colonial rule so there should be no hatred.
“We must remain proud people whose future is in our own hands. We continue to prove the sceptics wrong. In the face of conflict we show our true resilience, tolerance and innate ability to remain calm and united.
“Importantly, we have our general election in 2012.
“Let’s make sure that all our people get to make their own choice and not be pressured by others.
“We must ensure our future is in good hands and elect leaders that will be truly representative of our aspirations.
“Let us also elect women to represent us in our house of parliament as there must be a balance in leadership in our country,” Sir Michael said.