Leaders must respect Mama Lo

I DO not support Peter O’Neill, Sir Michael Somare, Sir Salamo Injia or anyone but our Constitution.
The Supreme Court ruled on Dec 12 that Sir Michael was the legitimate prime minister.
The parliamentary speaker and the governor-general were legally duty bound to comply with the Supreme Court ruling.
The speaker’s duty was to ensure that the sitting arrangement was rearranged to accommodate the legally restored prime minister and his cabinet.
Law enforcement agencies and the legal fraternity were duty bound to ensure the Supreme Court decision was executed.
The public respected and accepted the court’s ruling.
But to our surprise and frustration, the speaker defied the court and entertained an illegal government.
Factions within the police force chose to support an illegal government.
The chief secretary and DPM secretary went to the media and ordered public servants to support an illegal government.
The governor-general initially swore in Sir Michael and his team only to reverse his decision days later.
Pastors and Christians openly hailed the O’Neill-led regime, claiming their prayers had been answered.
But many people forgot that the
pillar and foundation of our democracy is the Constitution.
It is the highest authority in PNG.
Section 99 of the Constitution provides for the separation of powers between the three arms of government.
Parliament has no power outside of the Constitution.
Any NEC decision or bill passed by parliament with the intent to render powerless an existing court order should be seen as contempt.
A good example is the recent amendment and passage of the Prime Minister and NEC Act to limit the age of the prime minister.
It is discriminatory and undemocratic because it violates section 103 of the Constitution.
Any attack on the Constitution is the worst crime anyone can commit.
Any politician or government, no matter how good, but does not respect the constitution, has no place in this country.
The issue here is not about nume­rical strength but its legality.
It is true that in a Westminster system, the majority rules.
However, it is more important to understand that the majority must rule in full compliance with or according to the constitution of the land.
We have a regime claiming to have the majority of the people but seeking to rule the country outside of the Constitution, judiciary and the rule of law.
Southern Highlanders urging Go­vernor Anderson Agiru to leave the Somare camp and join Peter O’Neill is immature and stinks of regionalism.
Agiru is a credible and experienced leader who believes in a united PNG and submits to the rule of law.
The young leaders led by O’Neill should humble themselves and seek counsel from senior politicians like Sir Julius Chan and others who helped framed our Constitution.
If the parliament disregards the supremacy of our Constitution and judiciary, then there is no law in PNG.
May our Constitution reign supreme. Happy New Year and may God bless PNG.

Mathew M Wakure
Via email