Aware that the tentacles of corruption now reach far into the PNG body politic, GARY JUFFA often finds himself as a lone political voice crying out for change. His reward, as we at PNG Attitude have learned at first hand, is often to be accused and threatened himself. In this contribution to Comment yesterday, Gary addressed the people from whom the future leaders of PNG will emerge
IT IS indeed heartening to see the efforts being made by students. Students who have demonstrated far better leadership qualities than their elected leaders.
Be vigilant students, be aware. The enemy will not just give in, it will fight back, it will work within your camp and divide you so that you are weak and defeated.
Already an effort is under way to tarnish the image of those who are good and stand up for what is right on this issue. In fact, this happens whenever good people stand up.
This is why so many people insist on remaining silent. It is easier to remain silent and accept what is wrong than to fight and be attacked.
Many have realised this and acted accordingly. That is, they bow their heads and mutter and express themselves in hushed tones or, if they are public with their concerns, such as on social media or in print media, they hide behind fake identities and aliases.
This is the case in parliament. We have 111 members and less than a handful raise issues of concern regarding this nation, its future and its peoples interests.
Those few are ignored.
Only a handful are involved in manipulating the system to their personal benefit. But the rest benefit by being silent.
Fear is the greatest weapon used by those who work for evil. Fear of job security, of personal security, of being targeted by a smear campaign.
A lesson is being taught here, students. Take heed, this is the crux of your being in your institution. You are learning that if you stand together as one, they will have to see you, if you speak together as one, they will have to hear you.
If you allow yourselves to be distracted by their efforts to divide you, they will defeat you.
One day some of you will be elected leaders; let not that fire in you be snuffed out to the point where you are but a silent manikin in parliament.