As part of Papua New Guinea’s 20th Anniversary of Independence, Richard proposed and authored The Papua New Guinea National Pledge in conjunction with Sir Joseph Tauvasa Chairman of the National Events Council of PNG.
With the support and endorsement of the proposal by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Sir Julius Chan GCL, GCMG, KBE, Richard wrote the first and second readings to Parliament. The National Pledge was then voted unanimously by the Parliament of Papua New Guinea to become an integral part of the National Identity Act in July 1995. The National Pledge is often recited at both primary schools and high schools before the commencement of classes each day. It is also recited in the National Parliament on each sitting day immediately after prayers and in each Provincial Assembly and Local-level Government Assembly on each sitting day immediately after prayers and at all official celebrations.