Academia Nomad

Was it a debate? Panel discussion? Or church gathering even?

Whatever it was, the interaction between the PNG PM James Marape and Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang, the first of its kind, was conducted at the back of massive fanfare. The student representative council (SRC) of the six universities of PNG put out statements stating they would not join the proposed protest against the government in late March 2023. In its place, the SRC of the six universities organised a debate between the prime minister and opposition leader at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in the first week of April 2023.

The central theme of the organisers was that the “debate” between the two political leaders outside of parliament, is the dawn of a new and mature way of intellectuals interacting with national leaders. Gone were the days, the organisers boasted, of university-led nationwide strikes against the government which resulted in the loss and destruction of properties and violence.

The venue of the “debate” was the New Lecture Theatre (NLT) of UPNG, which has about 300 sitting capacity. On the evening of the event, NLT was filled and a little more, so it’s safe to assume that about 400 were present auditorium. There were about 600 who joined the online streaming of the event. They even attracted the media, other current and former MPs, the UPNG administration and staff as well.

The event began with the UPNG administration and student leaders giving introductory remarks, where they praised the “mature” approach the students adopted to engage with national leaders. The student leaders of the six universities then presented their recommendations to the two leaders and the moderator asked the leaders to expound on them.

Given the issues affecting the country, many expected to see a good debate, especially from one hosted by an academic institution. However, following the event, many Papua New Guineans have left disappointed. Criticisms ranged from poor format of the debate, poor performance from the opposition leader, questions being too soft and even sympathetic towards the prime minister. Here we rank the performance of the opposition leader, the prime minister, the student organisers, and even as a whole.

1. Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang – 5/10

Opposition leaders are usually alternative prime ministers in the waiting, to replace the PM when the incumbent loses the confidence of the parliament. You’d expect the opposition leader to “distinguish” himself from the PM. Instead, the opposition leader agreed with half of the things the PM said, and the PM is doing. If you agree with the PM, why are you even in the opposition? Why not join him on the government side?

Even the PM later had to defend the opposition leader from black lash after the debate. We don’t expect the opposition leader to shout and pound his fist against the PM. But we do expect him to show some PM calibre. Is this our alternative PM?

2. Prime Minister James Marape – 8/10

This was supposed to be the toughest audience for Marape. As an incumbent overseeing high inflation, lawlessness, caught in between disruptive superpower rivalry, and poor development indicators, Marape was supposed to dig deep to defend his policies or lack thereof, in front of a non-apologetic and critical audience. Instead, Marape used his usual charm, and rhetoric and even advised the students, occasionally receiving applause from them.

Part of this had to do with the questions put to the PM. It didn’t even make the PM blink.

3. The students – 4/10

Perhaps the only group that was impressed with the occasion when it ended were the organisers. You must remember the magnitude of what this initiative was replacing. This debate, or panel, or whatever you want to call itC was replacing “student led protests”, which in the past led to change in governments, resulted in politicians losing elections, and pressuring MPs from passing legislations or amending constitutions.

No one walked walked out of NLT, or logged out after watching the stream, thought the PM will change some of his policies.

You cannot blame the students for trying out something new. The problem is this even was advertised as a debate, and ended up as a gentlemen’s chat without distinction.

4. The event as a whole – 5/10

This even was safer than protests, and students should be applauded. But it failed to apply any real pressure for the government to reconsider its approach. It overpromised and under delivered.

There is room for improvement. The first thing to do is improve the format. There was no need for each student leader to present separate positions. They should have had the moderator ask the same questions to prevent push-start style of discussions.

Second, the questions put forward to the PM must be well researched. Ask questions that PNG reporters and fellow MPs fail to ask the PM. Possible questions the students/moderators should have asked the PM include:

“PM you recently announced the increase of DSIP funds to MPs to K20 million per MP. Given that only 40% of MPs acquit their funds, how do you justify such and increase?”

OR

“Do you think the presidential system of voting will fix the problems in this country? Isn’t it a problem where the politicians are failing to follow parliamentary conventions? How about dealing with individuals accused of high-profile corruption are within your coalition first? – and then list issues like the Masaratis wasting away, the Manumanu land deal etc.”

OR

“PM you are the longest-serving finance minister of PNG during your years under Somare and O’Neill. You voted for every budget, legislation and amendment put forward by the O’Neill government, and even defended them in parliament during debates. Don’t you think it’s convenient to blame O’Neill for the mess in this country now?”

To the opposition, the moderate should then put it straight to him: as the alternative PM, what would you do differently?

Third, the star-like treatment of politicians must be replaced by respectful but hard questioning. Half of the opening remarks were full of praise of the PM for making time to attend the event. The level of awe PNG audiences give to politicians is astounding.

Going forward, there is still room for a conversation like the one organised by UPNG. Though it needs improvement. But just remember that it cannot replace protests (peaceful and within the limits of the law). The two are not the same.