Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa in a statement tonight, has commended a move by a number of Members of Parliament who have defected from the Government over the weekend. Mr Tomuriesa especially commended the leadership displayed by the six Ministers who have put their duty to country first, and the other leaders who have chosen to rise to the occasion and chart a new course for the country. The six ministers who left the Marape-Rosso government are Energy Minister Robert Naguri, Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports Minister Don Polye, Finance Minister Rainbo Paita, Culture and Tourism Minister Isi Henry Leonard, Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu, and Housing Minister Dr Kobby Bomareo. "In what many have described as an unprecedented move, the decision by a growing number of MPs to leave the comforts of government clearly demonstrates there is a desire for change in our country's leadership." "For the Leader of Government Business (Rainbo Paita) and five other senior ministers to leave the ruling Pangu Party coalition demonstrates that there is a big disconnect between how the Prime Minister manages the country's affairs and the Cabinet." "I want to assure the nation that the Opposition is working with the growing number of leaders leaving government to chart a new course for our nation." "Rest assured that there are leaders who are working diligently to ensure we have an appropriate rescue plan to save this nation." Mr Tomuriesa said the sentiment in the country in recent times has shown that there is much to be desired in Prime Minister James Marape's leadership, and that change is required to reset the current turmoil. "To my fellow leaders who may still be deciding on their next course of action, I urge you all to reflect on the current state of affairs and decide if this is how our founding fathers envisioned our nation." "We must listen to our people and make the tough decisions for the betterment of this nation." Meantime, Prime Minister James Marape is still confident he has enough support to keep stable the current government. While wishing those who departed from government the best, he said in a statement that he respected their decision but described them as "excess fat" that had to be "trimmed off" from government for a "leaner" and "coherent" administration.