Letters in brief

Abuse of power:
FORMER Malaysian PM Najib Razak has pleaded not guilty in his corruption trial saying he has done nothing wrong. Under his rule, when he had absolute power over the country’s public purse, billions of dollars disappeared from the state development fund. A good amount of that money found its way into Najib Razak’s personal bank. The stolen money was used to support the lavish lifestyle of Razak, his family and his cronies. Najib’s plea of not guilty is understandable. Some political leaders don’t think looting from the public purse amounts to wrongdoing! Bad luck for them democratic society does not see it that way. Looting the public purse is seen as criminal abuse of power.

Rajend Naidu, Sydney

Misinterpreting culture:
IT is laughable gesture from a long serving parliamentarian, Sir Julius Chan to bribe the prime minister and government ministers with 200 pigs for the commitment to fix Bulumiski Highway. It is not a Melanesian, PNG and New Ireland culture to rob pigs from the small people and give it to big men. This is political distortion of Melanesian culture at the highest level. What are the ministers and the Australian High Commissioner going to do with the pigs? Is there not a New Ireland carving or artefacts that can be presented to them which is easier to carry and can be kept in the house?

Bomai D Witne