PNG Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa today acknowledged and accepted the decision by Our United Revolution (OUR) Party MPs, led by party leader, Rainbo Paita, to have moved back to the Government and support Prime Minister James Marape’s leadership.
Mr. Tomuriesa in a statement said that while it was unfortunate to see MPs return back to the Government after vigorously demanding for a change in leadership, it remained a party decision on what they believe their principles and policies are to contribute to national development.
Mr. Tomuriesa said: “The Opposition appreciates the contributions OUR Party brought to the Alternative Government, and that appreciation was ultimately demonstrated in September when we supported Mr. Paita as the Alternative Prime Minister.
“We also thank the 14 MPs who are led by Mr. Paita and their provisional support of our goal to *#SavePNG* from incompetent leadership ruining this country.
The Opposition maintains a good working relationship with all MPs, and we wish them well in their next endeavors.
“Although the Opposition has fewer MPs as a result of this decision, it by no means decreases our voice, our commitment, or our values toward holding the Government accountable.
“But it must be said how the continuous weaponization of DSIP and development funds by Mr. Marape is a significant factor forcing MPs to retreat to Government. Any MP who has spent time with us in the Opposition will attest to the vindictive treatment by Mr. Marape and his close allies.
“Nonetheless, we still remain steadfast in our goal to make PNG better than it has been over these five disastrous years.”
Mr. Tomuriesa also called on the Prime Minister to make changes to his cabinet now that he has greater choices to improve his executive management.
“The MPs going back to Government know very well what needs to be done to fix this country.”
Through our many caucus meetings and policy deliberations, these MPs know what it takes to turn this country around.
“There is a wealth of experience and expertise within OUR Party, and now being the second largest party in Parliament, surpassing United Resources Party and other coalition partners, we expect the Prime Minister to recognize this through a revamped NEC.
“Examples include Hon. Paita’s long service as Finance and Planning, Sir John Pundari also as former Finance Minister and capabilities to serve in any capacity, WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel’s experience as former State Enterprises Minister bringing many reforms, Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel’s extensive business experience may prove beneficial to commerce and industry – in the same vein Hon. Theo Pelgen, Hon. Marsh Narewec’s communication and technology experience, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard’s potential to serve in the fisheries and tourism sector, and many more informed appointments Mr. Marape could potentially make,” said Mr. Tomuriesa.
In closing, Mr. Tomuriesa also informed the public that the Opposition is preparing its budget response for the final sitting of Parliament and will be disputing several controversial decisions made by the Government since the last sitting.