Basil says pollies are technically illiterate

Bulolo/Wau MP Sam Basil says most politicians are technically illiterate. “Leaders are abusing Government’s legally recognised systems, misusing public funds and the people’s mandate without fear and respect for the Constitution, the law and the judicial system of the country because they are technically illiterate,” he said.

Mr Basil was speaking at a celebration last Thursday hosted by his electorate in Bulolo town to welcome him back from the US where he attended the inauguration of president Barack Obama.He returned, emboldened in his view that the country needs “visionary leaders who can debate in depth and act swiftly to lead this resource rich nation to achieve its aims”.“Stumbling blocks had taken refuge in PNG’s Parliament without being mindful and conscious of the nation’s welfare and have been manipulating all Government delivery systems and mechanisms creating headaches for the public service and the people.”

( Hon. Sam Basil with PNG wantoks/friends in Ohio, US. Pic courtesy of www.pnginusa.org)

He also fired a broadside at ambassadors.“PNG’s overseas diplomats are also under performing. We do not need paper diplomats overseas. “The country needs trade links with other potential partners to work in partnership to prosper in socio-economic activities,” he said.Mr Basil blamed the lack of intellectual development to politics.“For PNG intellectuals to invent a single technology, it would take us hundreds of years; this is because our education system has failed to educate and breed thinkers and innovators; surely it reflects the kind of leadership we have in this country,” he said.

He has noticed that overseas donors pour millions every year to implement various programmes in the country purposely to link and improve rural lives.“However, the trend was twisted and the funds sunk only into urban areas without reaching their destinations. “What is happening is that millions of kina are still sitting idle in trust accounts at Waigani,” he said. During his visit to the US, Mr Basil also travelled to Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. He also met with PNG students studying at Kentucky to share ideas.

By PISAI GUMAR of The National


*** I think Hon. Sam Basil is the only MP in Papua New Guinea to have his developmental plans and latest developments in his Bulolo/Wau electorate online. A positive approach to keep the like-minded Papua New Guineans in PNG and aboard abreast. For latest news, pictures, and developments in PNG and Bulolo/Wau electorate, visit Hon. Sam Basil's blog, here.