Basil urges public and social media to respect decisions

Caption: Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, December 7, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE Deputy Opposition Leader in both the Namah and now Polye led side of the house called on the general public, especially the social media to respect the decision made in the last few weeks leading to the change in leadership in the ranks of the opposition.

He paid special mention to the support of the social media on issues raised by the opposition, however, cautioned them to be mindful of the realities the other side of house was going through, last week during a press conference at Parliament.

“I pay tribute to the social media- I know that your heart is with the opposition, but sometimes you have to understand that the numbers that exist in parliament after the 2012 elections are the numbers that will be dealt with until the next elections,” Mr Basil said.

“No members from the social media will come and beef this up, therefore your statements must be considerate of this fact, because we have got no where to turn to- we really depend on the social media we enjoy your companionship and enjoy your support.”

“Sometimes when we have crisis as such, you have to understand that the numbers command the power play in politics, and we have to respect the office of the Speaker when he makes such decisions.”

He said that he did not want to see the issue of the opposition being dragged into the media for long.

“I want myself and (Dr Alan) Marat and also (Belden) Namah that we should work together with the exciting times that are coming up in politics as we keep the O’Neill government on their toes.”

“I have made it clear to the new opposition leader that being around with him and the party does not mean that that I maintain the deputy’s office- It is up to him to give the office to whoever he feels fit to do so.”

“In the next few days there may be another party leader with 10 members coming in and they may ask for the opposition leadership,” Basil pointed out.

He said that the political environment was a changing one that for him as a party leader and as a member representing 120,000 from his district his decision was made seeing fit on who become the leader depending on the numbers, with respect to the decision of the speaker.

“I hope a have cleared the Air and I do not wish to receive any quotes and questions from the media in terms to my position and my stand in this saga,” he added.