Marape faces no confidence vote
A VOTE of no confidence in Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape is set to be heard on May 29.
Sinasina-Yongamugl Open MP Kerenga Kua told the media the Opposition told media on Thursday that the Marape government “subverted the Opposition’s attempts to make hold them accountable for their actions”.
“I want to give confidence to the people of Papua New Guinea that this Opposition is committed to ensuring that this government is brought to account,” Opposition Mr Kua said at a news conference in Port Moresby.
“People are screaming for accountability. On behalf of the people. We are serious. The people are sick and tired of this government.
“They want to see the back of this government. They want to see them out.”
The Opposition bloc stands by the motion filed on 20 February despite discrepancies raised by the Private Business Committee highlighted in a letter.
“The acting speaker was clear and advised that there was a discrepancy or discrepancies and so on legal advice, we have opted to not challenge that stance.
“But then by the position that the integrity of the notice of motion that we have filed is intact,” opposition MP Keith Iduhu said.
He said in their view there were no issues with the paper despite the prime minister rubbishing it and accusing the Opposition of forging names.
“If the committee or this chair decides to tamper with the motion...in any manner other than contemplated by the Supreme Court, section 23 of the constitution will be will be invoked and punitive measures will be sought from the courts,” Mr Iduhu said.
“What that means is that penalties to the tune of even imprisonment up to 10 years,” he said.
“We will not hesitate to exercise our rights and the cause under the constitution in this regard.”
RNZ Pacific understands the Acting Speaker Koni Iguan and Private Business Committee would be impacted if this is the case.