Kaputin thanks ENB people for support

SIR John Kaputin has expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the people of East New Britain who worked hard to ensure a high level of achievement and success in the election.
“Considering all the odds and political obstacles that we have had to overcome, you have done extremely well.“And I am very proud of your high degree of individual and collective success in terms of the numbers that we have been able to mobilise and consolidate,” he said.
This year’s election, he said, has made him determined to pursue a course for change not only in the province but in the country as well.
Sir John said considering the long period he was away from PNG on assignment overseas and the fact that he had barely enough time to compete with those who had been in the country in the last 15 years, the result was phenomenal.
“This election is not the end of the road, nor should we accept corruption as part of the norm,” he said.
Sir John said under the National Constitution, provisions were reserved to deal with issues such as corruption and bribery during the election.
He said he was very much aware of the kind of things that occurred during the election, having stood for democracy and the rule of law as well as the principles of fairness and justice during his life as a legislator and senior diplomat.
“To accept the outcome of the regional election in ENB would be to accept corruption as part of the norm.“I refuse to accept the outcome under any circumstances,” he said.
He added it was time that these matters were exposed if the people were to have any hope of “cleaning up this place” and be able to move forward with honesty and dignity.
“No leadership that expects to survive on corruption can withstand the test of time,” he said.
He said in the next two weeks, he would attempt to see as many people and villagers to thank them personally for their support.
“Let us consolidate our resolve to work for the betterment of our province and our nation,” he said.