Opposition’s move rational

THE Opposition’s deliberate move for an alternative government is an example of rational thinking.
Since taking office, Prime Minister James Marape’s government targeted major mining companies to shut down operations around the country that has consequently weakened the economy. Economic hubs of Papua New Guinea are the extractive industries and largest contributors to the country’s economic growth through export with increased gross domestic product (GDP).
According to a United Nations’ report of economic indicators from 2009 to 2014, Papua New Guinea only had an annual 0.9% GDP per capita average growth rate.
Such hasty action by the Government to shut down resource projects will greatly reduce economic growth and total value of GPD.
Shutting down of major mining operations around the country had already left significant impact on the GDP and employment.
On the other hand, the Government, under Prime Minister James Marape overwhelmingly drew down new strategic plans which had excellent implications on new approaches to social services, especially education and health.
The tuition fee component was a government responsibility and students getting education and mentorship at different levels of education have had their fees paid by the government therefore education was more accessible.
Under Marape, tuition-fee-free policy has shifted to the Higher Education Loan Programme for those attending tertiary institutions while paying 65 per cent subsidy for children attending secondary and primary schools.
Doctors and nurses who are serving in various agencies right throughout the country are not receiving their salaries on time.
Hospitals and clinics have not received medical supplies because funding was not released on time.
These are some of the realities created under the current government.
On the contrary, the previous government under Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill, the country experienced rapid economic growth and service delivery was at its best.
The previous government was very much open to trade and investment from investors from abroad to come and do business in our country.
As a result, more job opportunities were created and increased cash flow in our communities.
The free education policy of the previous government greatly enhanced the quality of education.
It allowed many students to access education.
Citizens were enjoying free health care and continued funding from partner agencies delivering health services in the country.
These are the kind of development standards the people want from their mandated leaders.
So which successive government was very careful and wise with making appropriate decision on behalf of the state? The motion of no confidence by the current government was to gain power and make decisions that will demean the functions and integrity of the government that served the best interest of the people.
We should not let power-hungry politicians rule our nation.
We cannot let our power hungry leaders to use a motion of no confidence as a means to demise and to redirect government’s approaches to governance.

Apolos Pao
Kainantu