Namah’s emotional, childish outburst

LEADERS in the category of a deputy prime minister and state minister must take every precaution to safeguard, uphold and promote transparency, accountability and fairness.
For Belden Namah to react, driven by emotions, to suspend the Indonesian ambassador and recall PNG mission staff in Jakarta is irresponsible, below par and not in the best interest of the sovereign state of PNG.
Proper investigations are what are required, not outbursts driven by pride and egotism.
Namah must know that at this age and time, one cannot afford to blemish a cordial relationship that the two countries have enjoyed for 36 years.
The air space incident must be investigated thoroughly and findings be tabled in parliament.
However, at a time when many countries are on high alert against terrorism, we cannot afford to make a simple mistake in our international travels such as air travel clearance.
I urge Namah to swallow his pride and act in the best interest of the country. His so-called intelligence training is not applicable here.
We can easily be intimidated because we lack advanced military arms and equipment but it is timely to review our own armed force and its fighting capabilities.
I urge Namah to take charge of this review to strengthen and equip our PNGDF instead of crying like a baby.
As long as Indonesia has the military
might we will continue to be intimidated, harassed and bullied.
Namah and his government should consider safety just as the rest of the world is doing.
He should also apologise to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to resign over the incident. It was uncalled for.

Johnny P
Via email