Former PM urges leaders to set course for PNG’s next 50 years

Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has urged current leaders to make responsible and decisive choices that will shape Papua New Guinea’s development over the next 50 years.

Speaking in Parliament ahead of the country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, O’Neill said politics must move away from blame and criticism and instead focus on policies that benefit the people.

“With the mandate given to serving members, they now have all the backing to shape the future of the country,” he said. “Development is not easy and, like many other nations, things take time. But we must work together for the people.”

He said leadership was about service, not power. “We are not going to be here forever. It must not be about us only, whether we stay in power or lose power. It is about what we do for the future of our country and our people,” O’Neill said.

He called on MPs to increase accountability in decision-making and policy formulation, urging them to lay the foundation for the nation’s progress over the next half-century.

“We have been privileged with the honour given by our people. In return, we have an obligation to lead, and to lead means to serve,” O’Neill said. “Let us set the foundation to serve our people over the next 50 years. These are tough decisions, but it is time.”