FROM THE AUSTRALIAN
THE LAST THING PAPUA NEW GUINEA NEEDS is more instability, and Michael Somare's involvement in the mutiny by a group of soldiers in Port Moresby demonstrates that he has much to answer for.
The circumstances of the action by Colonel Yaura Sasa, who proclaims himself to be a supporter of the man known as the Grand Chief, have yet to be clarified.
A former defence attache in Indonesia, the colonel claims to have seized the commander of the defence force, Brigadier General Francis Agwi, and has declared himself to be the new commander.
He insists his actions do not amount to a military takeover, maintains his task is restoring the integrity and respect of the constitution and the judiciary, and is demanding the Governor-General, Michael Ogio, immediately appoint Sir Michael as prime minister.
His action follows rowdy scenes last week when Sir Michael, 75, walked into parliament demanding reinstatement on the basis of last month's Supreme Court ruling that he should be restored to office. Peter O'Neill had been elected by MPs last August to fill the vacancy brought about by Sir Michael's prolonged absence in Singapore for medical treatment.
The Supreme Court's order was, however, superseded by a vote in the parliament in which MPs overwhelmingly supported Mr O'Neill, something accepted by the Governor-General. Brigadier Agwi declined to take sides, which makes Colonel Sasa's targeting of him even more curious.
Sir Michael's resentment might be understandable but he must comprehend the supremacy of parliament. His legacy as PNG's founding father and someone at the epicentre of its public life for 43 years is ill-served by the insurrection in his name.
If Sir Michael and his supporters feel aggrieved, the way to seek redress is by campaigning to win the general election due in June, not by staging a military mutiny better suited to some tin-pot African dictatorship than a respected Pacific nation with entrenched democratic institutions.
Colonel Sasa, in his initial statements, has attempted to play down the significance of his actions, but the gravity of what he has done cannot be overstated. Neither can its damaging impact of on perceptions of PNG.
Sir Michael should act immediately to ensure his supporters act in accordance with the constitution and conserve their energy for the election. The future of our nearest neighbour hinges on it.
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