Polye: Coup attempt is politics of greed

TREASURER and Minister for Finance Don Polye yesterday hit out at what he described as “politics of greed” that is behind the attempted change of military command last week.
“This coup attempt is a real example of what was wrong with old style PNG politics,” he said.
“It is the politics of the past; politics where the very people who planned and implemented the coup showed that they were more concerned about power and money than about the interest of the people of PNG.
“They were more concerned about preventing proper investigations and real action on corruption than in making sure that the peoples’ money is spent in the interests of the people.”
“This coup attempt is a warning to all citizens that it is time for a change in PNG politics.
 “It is time to move on from yesterday’s politics. It is time for real generation change. The old ways have failed us and to meet the challenges of today’s PNG we need new policies and new leadership.”
Polye said PNG today was part of the modern fast growing high tech world and the country needed leadership that can deal with this world.
He said: “Leaders must be well versed to deal with the economic threats of a fragile world economy, the need to give our kids the education and skills to help them and our nation take their rightful place in today’s world and, importantly, the need for the benefits of our growing economy to be used in the interest of all citizens – not just a few.
“Politics today must be about ability, integrity and capacity to cope with change.
“Above all, I’d challenge yesterday’s politicians to understand that we live in a new PNG where leaders must look after the people first – not themselves – a new PNG where our young people can can see hope and opportunity not political infighting and corruption.”
“This is the challenge that I have accepted – that my party has accepted
“Our first and only objective is to put our people first.”