Opposition to engage in sound policy decision-making: Lelang

OPPOSITION Leader Joseph Lelang says they will engage in sound policy decision-making rather than in “gutter politics or meaningless disputes”.
“Our role can be constructive, only if there is meaningful dialogue and cooperation on both sides of the house,” he said.
“We are not in the opposition just to oppose or oppress, contrary to the common mistaken view.”
Lelang told the first sitting of Parliament of the opposition’s willingness to work with the government to bring about real change.
“Leaders on this side of the house are ready to support the government, support bi-partisan matters of national significance,” he said.
“But it is only possible if both sides of the house work towards promoting the same interests.”
He said the onus was on the government to release policy details to help the opposition engage in meaningful dialogue and debate.
“We are meeting here at a time when our society has become violent and non-peaceful. The challenges in law order undermine our efforts to rebuild a robust economy for our nation,” he said.
“We must stop the blame game and work towards solutions instead. The work is urgent. There is no time for time-wasting rhetoric.”
He said many people could not afford basic goods and services as prices had increased particularly in rural areas.
“PNG has a high unemployment rate which continues to worsen as small businesses start to shut down and large companies begin to down-size or shut down operations,” he added.
“We support interventions that will improve the quality of health and education of our people but these efforts must be well balanced as we face a serious array of socio-economic challenges.”
He offered the Opposition MPs’ support for reforms in the electoral system.