Where is our country heading?

MANY of our politicians and bureaucrats are serving their own interest.
As such, corruption, nepotism (wantokism), bribery, mismanagement, etc, are escalating, further depressing the silent majority.
The opposition, led by Belden Namah, is causing unnecessary tension by his constant attacks on the prime minister as he lobbies for the country’s highest position.
The big boys are playing their political games as the general election is just around the corner.
Before we cast our votes, we must ask ourselves what sort of leaders we want.
I believe the vibrant leader we want must be someone who:
* Will govern honestly and fairly;
* Will manage resources and funds wisely and with honesty; and
* Will put the people and nation first.
The next government should look into the following seriously:
* Avoid false paradigm in policy making – PNG should avoid making long-term economic plans as they are political propaganda and mere economic projections which are unlikely to materialise;
* Keep budgets under tight control – Government’s spending spree has resulted in excessive expenditure and burst the budget, which have exacerbated the exchange rate and putting pressure on imports;
* Keep inflation pressure under reasonable control – Inflation is a problem in PNG. While we cannot do away with it, government intervention is important. Inflation is caused by excessive fiscal deficits, this leads to printing of more money. Inflation also limits economic growth; 
* Take advantage of the international trade – PNG should have trade links not only with other countries but also trading blocs and export our resources where they have comparative advantage. PNG must import goods that are necessary for econo­mic growth, not for consumption only;
* Trade restriction – PNG should carefully study different trade restriction and adopt one that is suitable for us; 
* Tax regime – It must be simple so that government offices can easily understand and implement it;
* Avoid excessive income tax – This is because excessive tax tend to discourage private sector expenditure; and
* Clear-cut policies between public and private sector – Policy matters between the public and private sector must be clear, otherwise there will be confusion on issues.
This is just what I think the government and the policy makers of the next government should take into consideration and act upon.

Bush Economist
Via email