Kulang: We need complete review of Constitution

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday July 15th, 2013

 Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang says PNG needs a review of the entire Constitution and not a “piece meal” review like the amendments proposed by the O’Neill government.

He said the country would turn 40 by 2016 and it was timely and appropriate that the entire Constitution was reviewed to suit the present day situation.

However, he said changes should be done through a nationwide consultation or referendum so that people were consulted.

“We have to justify to the people the true intent of the reviews and let the people judge our motives,” Kulang said.

He said during grievance debate in Parliament last Friday that any changes to the Constitution should be an independent process as there might be conflicts of interest the government was trying to amend the process.

“We should have a national referendum that will capture the wish of 75% of the total population of the country so we do the changes in the best interest of the people,” he said.

He said the motives of the politicians should be tested through a referendum.

“Before we turn 40, let’s look at the complete review of the Constitution and allow proper consultation and debate from the public and the leaders of parliament and not just a change to suit one’s need,” he said.