In a significant political development, Madang MP Bryan Kramer has announced his resignation from the Marape-Rosso government, citing deep concerns about the state of governance and the entrenchment of corruption in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, in response, expressed gratitude for Kramer’s service, acknowledging his contributions as a government minister.
Bryan Kramer stated that his decision to resign was not made lightly.
Reflecting on his initial support for Marape in 2019, Kramer noted, “My initial support for James Marape in 2019 was based solely on his being a man of strong Christian faith. However, upon careful reflection and in light of the current state of affairs in our country, I have made the decision to resign with a heavy heart but a clear conscience.”
Kramer emphasized the pressing challenges the nation faces, which he observed firsthand after returning to office following two years out of the government.
He highlighted his experience across various ministerial portfolios, including Police, Justice & Attorney General, and Immigration & Labour, which gave him valuable insights into the inner workings of the National Executive Council (NEC) and broader government machinery.
However, despite his efforts to promote transparency and good governance, Kramer expressed deep frustration with the systemic corruption he encountered.
“Corruption has become so deeply entrenched in our government machinery, to the point where it has been normalized,” he said, lamenting that this entrenched corruption has eroded the government’s ability to serve the people effectively.
Prime Minister Marape, while accepting Kramer’s resignation, praised him for his strong advocacy for anti-corruption and good governance.
“Something I can’t take away from Mr. Kramer is that he is 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.
Kramer pointed out that during his time in the NEC, he often found himself fighting to block harmful decisions that were being pushed on the Prime Minister by factions within the government.
He expressed his belief that these factions were responsible for his frequent ministerial changes and ultimate exclusion from the Cabinet.
“Regrettably, since my dismissal, the opportunity to fight bad decisions from within the government has been lost, enabling the widespread misuse of public funds with impunity,” Kramer remarked.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the challenges Kramer faced, noting his appointment in 2019 was based on the need for talent to fight corruption and develop the country.
Marape recalled, “I made an unprecedented move in 2019 of appointing him and Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua as ministers despite them not voting for me then to become prime minister.”
Kramer concluded his announcement by stating that he no longer has confidence in Marape’s leadership as Prime Minister. He vowed to continue his fight against corruption from outside the government, emphasizing his commitment to the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea.
“I entered politics to fight corruption and to ensure that all Papua New Guineans have access to the services we, as Members of Parliament, are mandated to provide,” Kramer said.
Prime Minister Marape expressed his hope to continue working with Kramer on areas of common interest, whether for Madang or national issues, despite their political differences.
“I thank Bryan Kramer for all his contributions to Government as a minister, and I look forward to working with him,” Marape added.