Peoples Movement for Change Party leader, Gary Juffa has been busy advocating for assertive leadership nationwide.
Juffa recently travelled to Henganofi, Okapa, Kainantu and Lufa in Eastern Highlands to endorse his candidates.
Thousands of people gathered to hear Juffa speak on issues pertaining to land ownership, economy and the future of the country.
Juffa spoke passionately about the need for assertive leadership which is needed to protect PNG’s interest.
He also highlighted the lack of such leadership that had seen PNG lose control of its resource economy and thus its ability to design a prosperous and secure future.
"This economy is not ours. We are not independent as long as we do not own our economy,” Juffa said.
“To own our economy and participate in the development of our resources fairly and meaningfully, we must change the anti-PNG resource laws.
“As long as these colonial laws exist, we will never be allowed to participate fairly in the development of this economy.
“As long as these neocolonial laws exist, we can only watch helplessly as our resources, opportunities, jobs and businesses are remain out of our reach.
“We want investors but they must be genuine and respect us and our rights and laws and respect who we are as people. Only when you own your economy can we truly say we are independent."