Morauta presided over more policy failures: Zeming

Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mao Zeming, has lashed out at Sir Mekere Morauta saying the former Prime Minister presided over many failed polices and that his style of rule created instability.

Zemings statements follow an advertorial by Sir Mekere Morauta announcing a potential return to politics.

He is the first key government Minister and second Parliamentarian to hit back at Sir Mekere’s announcement, after NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

In a statement, Zeming said Sir Mekere’s record at government was not as rosy as he was painting and that he was part of the Government between 1999 and 2002.

He said he witnessed first-hand Sir Mekere’s ‘messy and disorganised’ attempt at running the Government.

"Mekere refused the advice of his Ministers, and all we could do was to try and hold the Government together until the 2002 election when his policies were soundly defeated.

"In the short period he was Prime Minister, he reshuffled his Cabinet more than at any other time since 1975.

“His style of rule created more instability and disharmony within government rank and file, leaving policy implementation in chaos,” he said.

Zeming added “he downsised our police force and defence force, to the detriment of our law and order and national security.

“He starved our schools and hospitals of proper funding. He ignored calls to allocate proper funding to upgrade and improve our infrastructure.

“The list of policy failures in his time is quite long and depressing. In fact PNG’s lost decade began with Mekere Morauta.

“His Government was a disaster and a lot of people suffered because of out-of-touch decisions."

Sir Mekere announced this week he would contest an NCD seat once he is confident there is sufficient support.

He said he has listened to the pleas of citizens from all walks of life and will be gauging views before he decides to contest the elections.

Zeming said Sir Mekere has no connection with everyday Papua New Guineans.

“When a leader lacks empathy with their people, they have very little chance of making the right decisions.

“All the people are left with are bad decisions that cause pain, suffering and hardship.”

Author: 
Cedric Patjole