Namah must get good advice before speaking out

FIRSTLY, Belden Namah allowed Sam Basil to fire a broadside.
It was against the opening statement by the head of state in  parliament on Aug 21.
His lack of knowledge of the Westminster system was apparent.
Many of us who keep leaders advised would
give background, identify issues and present options.
Accusing the head of state for doing his duty was bad for Namah’s opposition.
Secondly, a statement opposing seabed mining had errors after errors.
It seems as if Namah’s advisers have not been reading the newspapers.
Thirdly, the statement lacks appreciation of
the licensing regime
and process in the
mining industry.
Parliament itself is not involved in licensing as it is a regulatory matter for the executive government and the cabinet does not get involved unless the licence is a special mining lease.
Nautilus was granted a mining lease by the minister for mining.
The issue of concern would be whether the minister acted on lawful advice and I say he did not.
Finally, reference to the “common heritage of mankind” has no application to the Bismarck Sea, but the internal waters of PNG.
Namah must ensure his advisers to do proper research before going to the media.

James Wanjik
Via email