Money politics
By PNG Echo A lawyer from the Western Highlands told me that one of the ingredients in acquiring and maintaining ‘bik man’ status in the Highlands is by displays of generosity: giving away money and goods. This revelation goes a long way to explaining the prevalence of ‘money politics’ in the national life of Papua New Guinea. For although, the practice may seem benign and even …well…generous, when there are expectations associated with the gifts – and let’s face it, even in the traditional culture, ‘bik man’ status is an anticipated reward of such generosity, it so easily slips into Continue reading Money politics
