Folks, I am going to take a bold step and put forward Red Corner's "Steps TO A Better PNG". These are the "what" and the "who" but the "how" is left for discussion. Comments are welcome.

Step
1. Constitution must be amended to reduce the power of independents and backbenchers to allow the Prime Minister and the party(s) in government to make decisions confidantly. If the MP's won't vote for then maybe through a peoples referendum.
2. The Judiciary and Ombudsman must be given the power and encouragement to prosecute and jail or fine corrupt politicians and public servants.
3. Political cronyism must be removed from the public service and statutory bodies through strictly enforced legislation.
4. The Public service must be streamlined and reformed so there is no "deadwood" blocking up the flow of services to the people. The old saying "Too many chiefs but not enough indians" is apt.
5. Law and order must be restored. The police must be enabled to deal with urban crime as well as tribal warfare. In particular the proliferation of guns which is a real threat to society. The use of marshall law in certain situations where innocent civilians are being killed regularly may be required. Village courts must be strengthened.
6. Infrasture such as roads, railways, ports, airports must be built. These must be regulated and maintained by self-sustaining corporations. Infrastructure is the key to the flow of people, goods, ideas and money which will lead to a more progressive society.
7. Natural resources policy must be reformed to make sure resource companies (foreign and local) are fully accountable environmentally, and financially. Landowners must be given more equity and participation in projects. Where possible more downstream processing must be demanded.
8. Foreign affairs department must be strengthened and a capable Minister appointed. PNG should seek free trade agreements, and stronger links in general, with our melanesian and polynesian neighbours as way of selling our manufactured goods. Other foreign policy includes continued support of One-China policy, better dialogue with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand in that order.

I could go on but its late and I'm getting tired....

How about the American example. Any company found to be involved in bribery to lose their licence to operate. Forget the leaders.Get the instigators and perpetrators.

Good point but it won't work.

I agree with your points except for your suggestion of making constitutional amendments to reduce the power of independent and backbenchers.

The reduction of the power of independents and government back-benchers, opposition members and what not, is anti-democratic and usurps peoples will and rights, expressed through their elected representatives. With respect to making changes, constitutional or otherwise, the onus must always be on the PM or the government to convince parliament, which includes opposition members and government back benchers, that their proposals are legitimate and viable.

The parliament is the top institution in the country, not the government, nor the NEC. In fact, most of our misfortunes and troubles can be linked to the relegation of the position of the parliament to a mere rubber stamp by successive governments, but most notably the PDM led ones.

All MPs, irrespective of their position in parliament have a duty to this nation. There is nothing to stop them from introducing bills and legislation. They have every right to be heard. It is only our preoccupation with pride and status that has us believing that one needs to be in government and accorded with a ministry to enable change to happen. Obsession with power and status seems to be endemic to leaders from certain areas within PNG, and is also demonstrated clearly in some of the cyber forums, such as the Wantok Forum. Such infantile behavior do not bode well for the country, as they demonstrate a preoccupation with trivial issues by the country's elites.

I would like to see the power of the parliament increased instead of diluting it. We have already seen what a corrupt NEC and an unchecked government is capable of. The most obvious is the current election-related violence in the highlands, wherein Tony Wagambi was conveniently transferred to prevent him conducting raids on MPs and ministers residences. The stooges they replaced him with are nothing more than gelded puppets of the PDM and we are poorer for it.

The troubles up in the highlands shows that some leaders from that area are just not fit to be accorded positions in parliament, let alone the government.