Spokesperson for the defected Pangu Party members in Opposition, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, said they support the upcoming Parliament processes and they are prepared for the week’s sitting.
He confirmed that Private Business Committee will review a corrected motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, initially filed on May 29.
He explained that the original motion was missing one of the required 12 signatories, which has since been rectified and resubmitted last Wednesday by Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa.
Governor Muthuvel said Speaker Job Pomat and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan have confirmed receipt of the corrected motion, and the committee will verify the final requirement on Wednesday this week.
“As noted by Speaker Pomat last Wednesday, the committee was satisfied that we met four out of five requirements in the previous motion, however the only issue was the omission of one of the 12 signatories.”
“Upon submitting the fresh motion which rectified the omission, Deputy Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan, who presided over the rest of the Wednesday afternoon sitting, also informed
Parliament that the Speaker had received a new notice of motion of no confidence from the
Opposition.”
Muthuvel said the alternative government has praised Speaker Pomat for his transparency and fairness throughout the sittings so far, ensuring due diligence in the no-confidence motion process.
“Credit must be given to Speaker Pomat who has given this process the respect and fairness
that it deserves.”
“His efforts to publicly explain to both the house and the people of Papua New Guinea about the VONC, its processes and the requirements prescribed by law, standing orders and standing case authorities on point is highly commended.”
“It was on the first sitting last Tuesday (May 28th) where Mr Pomat informed the house that Parliament will be sitting for at least two weeks, giving the Opposition a chance to file its motion within this period.”
“We now look forward to the outcome of the PBC and contributing meaningfully to normal
Parliament business this week.”