Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has called on Papua New Guinea’s leaders to reflect on the values of past prime ministers and urgently address the growing issue of corruption, as the country marks its 50th Independence Anniversary. In a national address, Mr. Tomuriesa extended his jubilee greetings to citizens across the country but expressed concern over the nation’s economic challenges and the erosion of integrity in public leadership. “Our economy is struggling, and when you compare past prime ministers — including the Hon. Peter O’Neill — to the current government, the contrast is clear,” he said. “There was very little corruption then. Today, corruption has eaten into the very fabric of our nation.” Mr. Tomuriesa emphasized that former leaders, despite limited resources, governed wisely and effectively. “With so little money, our youths and elites had very little to complain about. Today, with budgets exceeding K30 billion, we are still failing to address basic issues,” he said. “Stop politicizing the budget. Deliver the funds as passed on the floor of Parliament — especially for health, education, infrastructure, and essential services,” he stressed. He called on both leaders and voters to take responsibility, urging citizens to stop electing leaders “blindly,” and urging Parliamentarians to govern with honesty and purpose. “The call to fix this country starts with us — the leaders — and with the people who elect us. We must learn from our forefathers who led with integrity,” he added. The Opposition Leader also issued a stern reminder to public servants and departmental heads to respect and implement the national budget as passed by Parliament, and to stop politicizing development funding. “If we adhered to the budget — especially funds allocated for health, education, infrastructure, and other key services — our nation would not be in this state. Bureaucrats must deliver what is budgeted,” he said. He concluded with a strong message: “We must cut down and completely eradicate corruption — and that must begin right at the top.”