Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard is calling on other Papuan members of Parliament to step down and move-out from the Government and join the Opposition.
He said the denial of the people of the Gulf Province on their allocated Business Development Grant is an example of the day light robbery and corruption that is so rampant in the Government today.
The unilateral transfer of the Business Development Grant approved by Parliament from the people of Gulf to another Province is day light corruption and the denial of the Papuan people of the Gulf Province the right to develop their Province.
“I’ve seen what has unfolded in terms of sharing the foundation wealth especially for the people of Gulf in terms of their business development grant, where the Government called a ‘Typo-Error’ and given that business development grant to Enga Provincial Government.”
“And I think this has now called for closed scrutiny of Government in terms of discretion of public funds that are been captured in the 2024 budget.”
“As we all are aware, what’s been given to the Enga provincial government from the Gulf provincial government was actually captured in the 2024 National Budget Bill in Parliament and it was passed.”
MP Leonard stated that, since that Bill was passed in Parliament, it is a law.
“That grant is for the people of Gulf and nothing more.”
After what transpired, he has called for all leaders to be mindful of the offices they hold and the interest they serve in that office that is meant for the people.
“It is our people who will mandate us back, not the party.”
“It is based on our performance and how we represent the interest of our people that will mandate us back in 2027.”
“Let us not be blind and deaf and hear what the people are saying and make that decision well.”
“I call on the Treasurer and the Government to honour and respect the dignity and commitment of the early Papuan pioneers, including the Puzzy- Wazzy angels of the Kokoda track.”
“The visions and expectations of the early Papuan political Leaders in the likes of Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir Ebia Olewale, Sir Ruben Taureka, Mr Paulus Arek and Mr Jacob Lemeki, for a united and prosperous Papua New Guinea, based on the ownership and equal distribution of the wealth of our national resources must respected.”
He added the Treasurer and the Government is deviating from these core values and commitment of the past and present Papuan leaders and their people.
In supporting the call by the Papuan people of the Gulf Province, he appealed to the remaining Papuan Leaders from Western, Gulf, Central, Milne Bay and Oro Provinces to leave the Government and joint the Opposition.
“Our integrity is far more important than the packs and privileges in parliament.”
“This is what defines us as leaders.”
“So I’m calling on my brothers to protect their integrity and come out because once damaged, it’s irreparable.”