The End of Democracy

Since I was unable to share the original article directly from the original site, I copied this article by PNG Attitude’s KEITH JACKSON to my blog, so that I can post on facebook.  

THERE’S AN EMAIL doing the rounds in Papua New Guinea today that, even if what it says is half true, reflects a worsening threat to democratic governance in that country.

   The statement alleges that five new bills will be passed through parliament today which will substantially erode PNG’s democratic fabric.
   However, as has happened repeatedly in recent months, parliament did not meet this morning because it lacked a quorum.
   I reproduce the statement here while warning readers that the assertions it makes may be wrong or exaggerated.
   But we cannot be too careful where attempts may be underway to remove or corrode people’s rights in the way the email suggests.

The end of democracy & the beginning of dictatorship

Dearest Beloved Fellow Citizen,

When Parliament sits today, Wednesday 18th 2012, we can expect our last few hours of Democracy to diminish, as this rogue government attempts to pass 5 reactive, retrospective Bills in their desperation to grapple at the last meager straws of power.

The following is a description of these bills: 

Bill to Amend the Judicial Conduct Act.

There are two certified copies of the JCA. One is the 30/3 JCA

The second is the 4/4 JCA. The second had extra clauses inserted.

The proposed bill to be tabled for passing is an amendment to the second act that basically adds on that the failure of one or a bench of judges to comply with the JCA will see them criminally charged and sentenced to prison of up to 7 years and lose all retirement benefits 

The second bill set to pass is the Parliamentary Privilege in Court Proceedings.

This states in principle that only the parliament Hansard may be used as evidence when interpreting parliament legislation and no other evidence. This is very biased and a judge should have all necessary facts and evidence before a decision is reached. 

A Supreme Court Amendment Bill that will render null and void the supreme court's order from last December that Sir Michael be reinstated as PM.

This is a no brainer and dead set wrong period. 

A Police Control Bill that fundamentally gives the parliamentarians more control over the police personnel. 

The most explosive one - a Media Control Bill, which will basically aim to control all forms of media (mainstream and social).

Anyone seen to be speaking out against the government is liable for dissension/treason and will be arrested and charged accordingly. That?s right they will take away your freedom of speech. 

Beloved fellow citizen, if you have been complacently going about your daily business, without a care or concern about these serious events that have been and are still taking place in obviously corrupt government, let this message now be a loud blaring siren in your ear.

   If we allow this government to stay in power, we will truly see Dictatorship come to pass in our generation? And what of our children?

   We continue to pray to our God for His will to be done, but are we willing to step out in faith and do what is necessary, like Moses, Daniel, and others? We all have social responsibilities, and now is the time to act.

   For your information, awareness, and serious consideration. Attached, please find the 1st and 2nd copies of the Judicial Conduct Bills, and the first 2 Bills on the list above. The other 3 will be forwarded to you in due time, fellow citizen.

   If you are concerned for the future generations of this nation, please forward to 10 or more people.

Source: http://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2012/04/alarming-statement-forecasts-draconian-laws-for-png.html