KOFI MANGI TARI ASSAN | Facebook
“YOU ARE A SPECIALLY prepared generation for our time to demonstrate better leadership”. When I turned 16, I started feeling promptings to serve as a leader for our Great Nation.
I knew I was too young to have such a thought in mind but it was a dream. I knew very well that one day I must fulfil it. Initially I felt excited about serving, but embarking on this mission was more challenging than I anticipated.
My Dad did not understand why I had such a dream; my own friends surely thought I sick. But I knew that God wanted me to serve a mission. Now at 25 I would like to reflect on my journey so far and outline some of my experiences.
“God has blessed us with the will and desire to be an example to the rest of Papua New Guinea and to live the balanced, righteous life as a leader”.
Over these years I was lucky enough to be at the frontline of politics as my father served as a consultant to the Department of Minerals and Petroleum; it seemed that every day he was in and out of Parliament House.
And the travel. Today Hela, tomorrow Ok Tedi. The trips were endless for him.
Inquisitive as I was in order to achieve my mission, I followed him to every state banquet in order to see the leaders that power PNG.
It was a great experience. I made sure I spoke to every single one of them and exchanged a friendly handshake.
I wanted to know more. I wanted know the type of leadership they pursued - Righteous or Abusive leadership. Sadly I couldn’t clarify this over several exchange of handshakes, but I did work it out over the years of studying their tactics in governing this Great Land.
Our present and past leaders have two attributes - Righteous and Abusive. It’s simple - they choose one or the other. When our leaders take the mantle of leadership they make a choice for one or the other, heavily influenced by power, money, greed and yearning for publicity.
We have been privileged to live at a special time in our political history. The early era gave us great traditions and the pioneers are still present and active in both politics and social life.
I think our leaders, both present and past, are fiddlers on the roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking their necks.
It isn’t easy and you may ask why they stay up there if it’s so dangerous. I can say they are up there because PNG is home and they wanna make a difference.
The grounds around Parliament Haus are always attractive. Go in front of it and see if it does not inspire you to make some improvements in the way we serve PNG.
The Lord has established some basic standards for governance which we must honour. Obedience to these standards remains a requirement before entering Parliament.
Sometimes when we are in power or serving as public servants we may feel that others will not accept us because of the high standards we have for ourselves, but just do it.
Abusive leadership just won’t do.
“As we serve and lead we must exhibit Righteousness as directed by the Lord regardless of our calling, we will both bless and be blessed by Mother PNG”.
Our leaders are called to help us become true followers in order for us to be better. Our leaders must live up to the expectations we have for them.
They must teach us how to be true followers by their personnel example. Not by exhibiting abusive leadership.
Join me in striving to make a better PNG. Even the bird sometimes faces obstructions in its flight. Thank God we are still able to correct the mistakes of our past and present leaders.
I agree with you Kofi that we really need some righteous leaders in society and especially in the parliament and government.
It seems that the government of our country is very corrupt. However, to put in some good leaders will be extremely difficult.
When we vote them in, they go with good intentions but along the way everything changes, it is the system that is corrupting them, they dont choose to be bad.
"When money talks, everyone listens".
Therefore, if we want good leaders, all of us have to stand together and fight corruption. PNG is a democratic state, where there is freedom of speech and movement. The people have to stand up and talk, let our voice be heard.
Not that everyone is bad. It is only a few who are doing that, so if we can work together we can hope for a better and brighter future.
Posted by: Talsha Bannick | 07 March 2013 at 09:31 PM
Yes, I agree with you. There are more abusive leaders in all sectors - government, public service, business, and private sector.
But I believe the evil leaders will go down and the righteous will fly high.
Brother keep dreaming and walk towards your vision. God has a plan for this struggling nation, PNG.
Posted by: Joe Wasia | 11 February 2013 at 03:41 PM