Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has reportedly acknowledged the government’s failure to meet its obligations, admitting a shortfall that has stalled Papua New Guinea’s development and economic progress. Speaking at the recent PNG Update forum on August 21st, Marape highlighted the frequent changes in leadership and lack of effective policies as key reasons for the nation's poor economic state. “For the past 27 years, every two years, we’ve been forming and changing governments,” Marape explained, pointing to political instability as a major factor hindering consistent growth. He noted that by 2002, the country’s GDP had not surpassed K20 billion, with the population growing and jobs declining, leaving many citizens unsatisfied. Despite these challenges, Marape remains optimistic that the current policies will eventually yield positive results, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring economic participation for all citizens. However, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu was quick to respond a day later in a statement, criticizing the Prime Minister's remarks as a weak attempt to deflect blame. “For the first time, the Prime Minister has admitted that the government is failing to fulfil its promises to our people,” Iduhu stated. He urged Marape to take full responsibility, rather than attributing the country's woes to political instability. Iduhu further questioned Marape’s leadership over the past five years. “James Marape has had 5 years as prime minister. Not 5 weeks or 5 months. There is a limit as to how long a prime minister continues to blame their predecessor for the problems inherited,” he said, demanding results instead of excuses. Marape also acknowledged the growing lawlessness as a major barrier to development, urging citizens to respect the rule of law. But Iduhu countered by highlighting the lack of tangible outcomes despite record budgets. “Our last 5 budgets have been record budgets, but yet we have not seen these billions translate into tangible growth for our people,” Iduhu argued. He pointed out the stark contrast between the K24 billion budget and the reality in the country's schools, streets, and hospitals. Iduhu concluded by criticizing the Prime Minister's excuses and lack of progress after five years in office, calling for Marape to be held to the same high expectations as any leader in a democracy. "In any other democracy, the leader is expected to perform in order to justify his position. Why is it that we allow sub-par leadership and wonder why the country is going down the drain?”