Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has officially welcomed the return of the 14 members of the Opposition to his government led by the Member (MP) for Finschhafen, stating that their return shows that these leaders want to work together to address the problems faced by the people in this country. PM Marape commended MP for Finschhafen Rainbo Paita, and the members of ‘Our Pati’ for forming their own party and highlighted their Constitutional rights in making the decision to rejoin Government, as well as his government’s openness to diversity of opinion. MP Paita had been the Opposition's nominee for prime minister a few months back when they lodged an unsuccessful Vote of No Confidence (VONC) against PM Marape. “Firstly, I commend them for making a choice that is based on their Constitutional freedom under Section 45 (Freedom of Conscience and Thought) and Section 47 (Freedom of Assembly and Association) which they further exercised in organizing themselves into a political party," PM Marape said. “Often in politics, we choose to stay with polarized views and fight but what has transpired in the last year has caused instability that has permeated into our political system and has greatly affected the Public Service." Marape said despite what had happened, his government remains a government for all. “Pangu Pati is the party that formed this country, and we are tolerant of the diversity of opinions; we are tolerant toward leaders from all parts of our country; and of our expectations to ensure that we embrace divergence of opinion and views,” said the Prime Minister. He said with the looming 50th Independence anniversary in less than 12 months approaching, the pressure to see through reforms in the political and public service structures, in the provincial government systems, the judiciary, and in resources laws is mounting as the country prepares to begin on the next 50- year chapter. “These are the work we have started since 2019, and Honorable Paita has been part of this work. I am humbled by his gesture in laying aside personal interest and ambitions and seeing that the common good of the country prevails." Marape, when appreciating Paita's choice to return, stated that instead of fighting from the outside, Paita had decided to bring his party to associate with the Pangu Pati-led coalition in the government benches, a very wise decision that would benefit the country immensely. “Most of these Members of Parliament are first-term or second-term MPs who want to get things done for their constituents. In their heart of hearts, they mean well," the PM added. “All of them are not new to us. They have been part of our government since 2019, and since 2022 but due to policy differences, have made their move. However, considering the need to consolidate to provide stability in light of our 50th anniversary next year 2025, they have returned. “On behalf of Pangu Pati, as the leading coalition party, I welcome him and his party members back to Government,” he said. The Prime Minister said he would be meeting his Pangu Pati leaders and officials, and coalition party leaders to process this announcement at the earliest after Sabbath this weekend.