Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on every Papua New Guinean to recommit to the National Constitution, describing it as the “Mama Law” that binds the nation together and ensures freedom, peace, and equality.
Speaking during a press conference to mark 50 years since the adoption of the Constitution by the House of Assembly on 15 August 1975, PM Marape said the document was the foundation that gave life to Papua New Guinea’s independence a month later on 16 September 1975.
“Our Constitution’s birth ushered in our country’s birth,” PM Marape said. “It must forever be ingrained in our national calendar, in our national conversations, and in the hearts of every Papua New Guinean. It is the living spirit that embodies us all.”
Tribute to Founding Fathers and Mothers
The Prime Minister read aloud a historic 1974 letter from then Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Planning Committee (CPC), Fr John Momis, to Chief Minister Michael Somare, urging that the Committee’s report be presented to the people of Papua New Guinea rather than the colonial administration in Canberra.
PM Marape said this moment reflected the boldness of the CPC and the wisdom of leaders who ensured sovereignty rested with Papua New Guineans themselves. He paid tribute to the members of the CPC, describing them as “giants who walked before us” and credited them with gifting the nation one of the best constitutions in the world.
He noted that only three members of the CPC remain alive today: Dr John Momis, Sir John Kaputin, and Tony Ila. “The rest have gone to rest, but their legacy lives on in this document,” he said, adding that a special place would be reserved for surviving members during the independence anniversary celebrations next month.
A Call for Respect and Responsibility
PM Marape urged leaders and citizens alike to live under the Constitution’s authority, stressing that no individual, whether Prime Minister, Parliamentarian, or Judge, was above it.
“The Constitution ranks supreme at all times,” he declared. “In our Constitution we find unity, in it we find peace, in it we find the formula for equitable benefit distribution, and in it we find direction for the future.”
He warned against repeating moments of constitutional crisis such as in 2011, when leaders attempted to place themselves above the law, and reminded politicians that the Constitution will always bring them “back in line.”
Constitution as the Nation’s Guide
Highlighting the five National Goals and Directive Principles—integral human development, equality and participation, national sovereignty and self-reliance, wise use of resources and environment, and Papua New Guinean ways—PM Marape said these timeless values continue to guide the nation.
“Our democracy still functions because of the vitality of this Constitution,” he said. “As we look to the next 50 years, we must never take our sovereignty for granted.”
PM Marape also shared a personal reflection, noting that as a boy living at remotest areas of Western Province at 1975, he could never have imagined becoming Prime Minister without the equal opportunities enshrined in the Constitution. “Had it not been for this Constitution, children from remote villages like me would never have had such chances,” he said.
Looking Ahead
With four weeks to Independence Day, PM Marape urged citizens to reflect on their duty to the nation. He said the best contribution anyone could make was not only in building roads, bridges, or classrooms, but in respecting the rule of law and living under the Constitution.
“If you ask what you can do for your country, start by respecting the Mama Law,” he said. “Apart from the Bible, the Constitution is the most important document we have. It protects every citizen and ensures our unity as one people, one nation, under one good Constitution.”
He concluded by pledging loyalty to the Constitution and calling on all Papua New Guineans to do the same as the nation prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence next month.