Sam Basil's political stardom on PNG's political scene

The young and upcoming first time politician, Hon. Sam Basil (pictured left) from Bulolo/Wau has time for everything between his duties to serve the people of Bulolo/Wau and PNG at large. He converses with everyone regardless of his/her status or backgrounds in PNG perspective where 'regionalism' is slowly consuming the fabrics of our identity as one people, one nation, one solwara, and one country.

Below is a conversation Mathew Yakai (http://mathewyakai.blogspot.com/) - a Western Highlander who is studying in China had with Hon. Sam Basil (Bulolo/Wau MP).

David Ketepa: I was surprised too when I got that response. We surely need more Basils. This guy is breaking the barriers of politics and trying to get PNG and young leaders to recognise his style of leadership and also to show people from all works of life that MPs can spend time to talk to the grassroots people. I think a lot of our MPs are not having time to talk to people because they are busy preparing for their extravagant life styles.

Mathew Yakai: Sam is not trying to gain popularity but according to news, he has done a lot in the short period since he was elected for his electorate. We need practical leaders. he seem to be a practical man and leader. I am sure that he will get a lot of support from his electorate and other like you and I, the right thinking PNGans. Definitely, we don't look at regionalism and provincialism but we need leaders like him today. This is what we should learn in WH politics. Enough of BIG MAN mentality with GUN culture and learn to humble ourselves and serve the people.

Mathew Yakai: Below is an interaction I had with Sam Basil, MP for Wau/Bulolo. It did not take him that long to reply. This MP has time for every person, even strangers like me. I wish we have more of him.

Mathew Yakai: Dear Sam. Ni hao and greetings from Great China. We are heading towards the Chinese Lunar New Year, the year of Ox so I would like to say "Xin Nian Hao" (Happy New Year) to you. I follow closely the leadership caliber portrayed by our past and present leaders. But I find you to be very amazing. I have read widely about you on the leadership role you play, in your electorate and the country. I pray that we have more of you.

After living in China, I can confidently tell you that your leadership style is similar to the Chinese President and Premier. What I mean is that these two leaders have time for anybody, and talk to any body. They even visit villages, disaster stricken areas and personally distribute relief supplies. We do not see this in PNG, because we are always "big men". Remember, people need your closeness with them. Its all about interaction with them that will make you gain respect. I am also touched by your effort in building a website/blog in trying to inform not only your electorate but all PNGans on what you are doing. I am sure you are the first MP to do such.

I have included you to my blog: (www.mathewyakai.blogspot.com) Basil, there are many things to talk here but please allow me to tell you one important thing that will make you a good leader in PNG's history. I already see that you have the "WISDOM", that every leaders in PNG need now. But we must know that WISDOM comes only from God. Therefore, I personally and as a brother who wants you to help your electorate and PNG to Hold On To God and ask for WISDOM.

With this, my brother and good MP, you will go...nothing will stop you. Don't let yourself succumb by the things of this world. Ask God for wisdom. I also read your email exchanges with David Ulg in USA on his blog. It very encouraging. By way of introduction, I used to be a colleague of Malum Nalu, but now studying in China. Sorry for this long email.

Hon: Sam Basil, MP: Thank you Mathew, the e-mail you sent was very encouraging and I will always remember that,regarding the leaders yes Mathew, we need a lot of changes. I am always very vocal to especially the young MPs who just got voted in and on the floor when we vote for bills we do not clearly understand and I always shout across to them that they are elected leaders and must know the implications of any to be laws that are about to be passed.

Instead they just blindly pass bills because they have now lived double lives while in Port Moresby that makes them short of money and certain influential leaders with corrupt money are feeding their lifestyles. We need change but first of all the mps must understand why they are there, there is a lot of money we have passed almost K17b from numerous mini & proper budgets but the services that the Govt. was suppose to deliver is not reaching the people.

Many leaders second term and above have invested overseas like buying houses, sending children to school seeking medical services and have lost faith in their own country. I am still trying to rally the young mps to stop and think and I will keep on doing that as long as I'm in parliament while not forgetting my Bulolo people. Anyway, keep in touch and thanks for your encouraging e-mail, God bless you.