Members celebrate end of three-day induction

By SALLY TIWARI
A SMALL function with traditional dances and singing groups marked the end of the three-day induction of new MPs at Parliament House last Friday.
The entertainment groups were from Morobe and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
West Sepik Governor Akmat Mai, who spoke in the absence of Speaker Theo Zurenuoc, said he came to parliament with lots of doubts but the induction had given him direction and an insight to being a member.
“The training by the Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI) has made my first steps into the corridors of power promising,” Mai said.
He thanked CDI deputy director Grant Harrison and programme manager Bronwen Harvey for the training and presented them with gifts.
“I have also learnt that we are at the scrutiny of the people, but if we play our cards right, we’ll have no problem,” he said.
“They say leaders are born or made but I take both in because I came (here) uncertain. The induction has now strengthened me to stand up and deliver service to the people.”
He said training on passing laws for the country had given him the insight on the importance of making laws that were good for the people.
He disagreed with the 71 years of age restriction on prime ministers, saying it was discriminatory.
Harrison said many of the MPs were very energetic and enthusiastic about learning.
He said most were particularly interested in the making of laws.
South Fly MP Aide Ganasi said he now had a clearer picture about being an MP.
Ganasi said some of the important things he learnt included the passing of bills, readings, acquitting funds to parties for election and the declaration of assets to the Ombudsman Commission after every 12 months.