Resigning from the government is my personal conviction: Dr. Lino

Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom on Monday told media in Port Moresby that his resignation as Health Minister was a personal choice after considering the critical challenges the country is faced with.

The parliamentary leader of the People's Party said the burning issue was the compromise of the state institutions and the government’s blind eye in addressing lawlessness in the country.

“I am convinced the path we walked as a government is tense with significant issues of “Good Governance” threatening a miserable future. In fact, the uncontrolled increase of corruption and law and order issues poses an existential threat to our young democracy.

“Our institutions of state have become dishonored to a point where they no longer serve their Constitutional functions but that of their masters, and the ordinary people have lost total faith in them.

“I believe that in a democracy, the government derives its legitimacy to rule from public consent as it is in essence, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“Today, it seems this government has become the government of and for a few. Doing what’s right by God, country and people has become compliant to survival politics,” Dr. Lino said.

He added that a good Rule of Law is demonstrated through good law enforcement, good political governance, and an effective legal system.

This provides the necessary security for social stability, sustainable development, and economic growth.

“It now seems we want to grow the economy without first constructing its foundation through establishment of a ‘Good Rule Of Law’.

“It’s like putting the cart before the horse. I hope our government can reprioritize its development agendas and make this nation safe again as the current nonchalant and dismal efforts will throw this nation into the doldrums of anarchy and chaos. In fact, it is fast happening before our eyes,” Dr. Lino added.

Dr. Lino’s resignation is simply a public protest to stir up the government into action by rousing its level of consciousness and making proper decisions for the betterment of the people.