Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group, Dr. Derek Sikua asks Prime Minister (PM) Rick Houenipwela to move a motion in the next Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting to change the name of MSG, since the organisation no longer serves its purpose.
Sikua stressed this on the floor of parliament after learning from the revelation by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Manasseh Sogavare that some member countries are pursing economic interests, at the expense of Melanesia.
Sogavare revealed that Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are not doing any good for the plight of our Melanesian brothers and sisters in West Papua.
Citing, the two countries only strengthen their ties with Indonesia to serve their interests that is not founded in the very purpose and reasons, in the formation of MSG.
Dr. Sikua, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Guadalcanal said the word Spearhead should be change to something else because MSG no longer serves its purpose as intended by its founding fathers.
He joked that the head of the spear is blunt so its better to change the name to something like Melanesian Economic Forum, so that it reflects where we are now.
“MSG has drifted out from its very purpose so the name has to be changed to remove the word spearhead to something that reflects the current position of MSG, which no longer stands for the freedom and rights of Melanesia from colonial rule and oppression.”
But PM Houenipwela said, the application of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to be admitted full membership in MSG has been referred to the Director General of MSG.
He said the application has been agreed on by leaders to follow the procedures and criteria, so it is an administrative matter and not an issue for leaders to meet over and decide on.
PM further added that the apology made to member countries of MSG will not change government policy on West Papua.
He responded to a question asked by MP for Rendova-Tetepare Danny Phillip.
Stating, his term will end this year, which is too short, so he hopes that he will come back next year to work on a new policy for West Papua.
By AATAI JOHN LAUNGI
