The Papua New Guinea Opposition has finally submitted the motion of a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape today.
Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa submitted the motion to Speaker Job Pomat at the Speaker’s office.
Papua New Guinea Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat has ruled that Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, who recently resigned from the Government, would remain a member of the parliamentary private business committee.
Sir Christopher was member of the committee as a member of the James Marape-led Government but resigned two weeks ago.
Pomat ruled Tuesday when Parliament resumed its sitting after its adjournment on 05 June that Sir Christopher would not be removed from the private business committee.
He said Sir Christopher would remain in the committee to represent the Opposition.
“I know he is aware of the issues raised by the committee in the previous parliament sitting and I believe this notice of a motion of no confidence would be ready and set and would just process it,” he said.
Pomat reminded the Opposition MPs that whole country was watching and wanted the motion to be submitted and processed by the committee as soon as possible.
“If the motion is okay (approved by the committee), we will put it on the notice paper for Thursday,” he said.
“Then Parliament will rise and after seven days, we will return and process the motion.”
Pomat told Parliament that the country wanted the Opposition to file the motion properly. It will be the sixth time it would be filing the same motion.
The first five were rejected by the committee because of “mistakes” in them.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has thanked both Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom and Madang MP Bryan Kramer for their dedicated service to the country as Government ministers, following their resignation from the Government.
Tom, appointed Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister in 2019 and Health Minister in 2022, told Marape of his resignation this week, because of issues “posing existential threat” to the country.
Marape accepted the resignation, saying: “Let us respect his independence and decision. We thank him for his contributions to our country under my watch. He has been a valuable contributor to Cabinet.”
Kramer, the former police minister also served as minister responsible for the Justice Department and Attorney-General.
He said he was leaving the Government side with “a heavy heart but a clear conscience”.
Marape praised Kramer for being a “strong advocate for good governance and doing the right thing”.
“This country needs leaders who are not infatuated with money or fame but who stand up to do what is right for the country,” Marape said.
Marape remains unfazed by the movements of MPs and Opposition’s lodging a motion of no confidence in his government today.
Since the expiry of the 18-month grace period in February this year, the Opposition has submitted five motions with the parliamentary private business committee.
Two candidates nominated by the Opposition as alternative prime ministers were East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita.
