Finschafen MP and the Opposition's nominee for Alternate Prime Minister, Rainbo Paita, has fired back at Prime Minister James Marape for what he called "personal attacks" after the recent Cabinet reshuffle. Paita, speaking in Goroka during the Highlands tour of the Opposition and Alternate Government team, accused Marape of lacking grace and respect when introducing new ministers. “Prime Minister Marape said something like, ‘Me givim cheque book lo youngpla man na ol mekim nambaut so nau me givim lo senior mahn,’ while welcoming new ministers appointed to join his cabinet,” Paita stated, and criticized Marape’s remarks, calling them “unbecoming of a Prime Minister and a leader of his standing.” The reshuffle on July 9 saw five new ministers sworn into the Marape-Rosso Cabinet, including Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah, the former Opposition leader, who was appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism with additional duties overseeing border security affairs, and Wapenamanda MP Miki Kaeok was appointed as the new Finance Minister, with Marape praising the selection for its merit, regional balance, and capability. Paita urged Marape to adopt a more diplomatic approach. “It's unbecoming of a Prime Minister to, in a way, introduce his new ministers when they were recently appointed, and they went to Kokopo. There could have been a better way to introduce the ministers,” he said. Paita suggested Marape could have acknowledged the contributions of former ministers more gracefully, saying, “I thank the former finance minister who's been faithful, you know, serving the government, helping me hold the government together for the last five years... And on that juncture, I wish him well.” Paita further criticized Marape’s statement about him holding the "chequebook" as if it privately belonged to Paita. Paita pointed out that ministers operate within established systems and budgets. “So, for him to say that ‘mi sa holim cheque buk’ was a personal something, and is unbecoming of a Prime Minister,” he said, calling Marape’s remarks an emotional, knee-jerk reaction to his leaving the government. Reflecting on his exit from the government, Paita felt Marape had forgotten his contributions and loyalty. “For me exiting government and exiting for the last two or three months, it's like he forgets that I was with him... my loyalty, my contribution, my commitment to him in the last five years is unquestionable,” Paita said. Paita criticized the Prime Minister for not showing respect when introducing new ministers, emphasizing the need for graciousness and recognition of those who have supported him. “So, do you think Prime Minister can introduce his new ministers with a form of, you know, grace and rising above as a senior statesman? He holds the highest office in this country. You don't need to spoil the guy who stayed with you for five years, just because he's left you for five months,” he stated. He warned that Marape's behaviour sends a negative message to other government members, suggesting that loyalty might not be valued once someone leaves. “This goes to show to other members and leaders in the government as well, that you might stay with Prime Minister for five, six, seven, eight years, but the day you leave, this is what he will say to you,” Paita said. Paita called for the Prime Minister to address issues instead of making emotional outbursts. “If there's anything that I have abused in my time as finance minister, he's in government then he should tell the country that this was abused in this way, that way, otherwise let the record speak,” he challenged. Despite his criticism, Paita congratulated the new ministers and expressed willingness to work with them. “From us members on this side, we congratulate all the ministers who've been appointed... I'm welcoming the new appointment (of Miki Kaeok), and I wish him all the best in the office,” Paita declared, urging Marape to address issues in the country being felt by the people. “So, stop talking as people are tired of listening to many long speeches, and start getting to work and start addressing issues.”