Prime Minister James Marape has applauded the decision of the Opposition Leader and Member for Kandrian-Gloucester District Joseph Lelang to step down from his position as Opposition Leader. The resignation, announced earlier today, comes amidst a notable shift in the political landscape. Prime Minister Marape commended Mr. Lelang for his decision, stating that the leader is a man of virtue in the face of recent political movements where other non-credible leaders do not give respect to the Office of the Leader of Opposition. “Honorable Lelang has exhibited commendable integrity by resigning as Opposition Leader,” stated Prime Minister Marape. “This move will pave the way for the new entrants to rightfully occupy positions within the Opposition, as well as those in Opposition who are crafty for power at the back, to come to the front bench of Opposition so the country can see their faces and know your alternate policies.” "Their efforts to continually undermine the position of the Opposition Leader were obviously seen over the last 18 months and are deemed disrespectful.” Prime Minister Marape added that, “The resignation of Mr. Lelang as Opposition Leader underscores the consequences of undermining peers of equal standing.” “The sudden resignations of ministers and government MPs, accompanied by various allegations, reflect a misguided pursuit of power, neglecting the respect and protocol due to the leadership of the Opposition.” “There is a need for all members of the Opposition to align under coherent leadership to effectively challenge and contribute to the national discourse.” The political climate in Papua New Guinea has been turbulent in recent months, marked by a series of resignations and realignments within both government and opposition ranks. The departure of Mr. Lelang from his role as Opposition Leader signifies a significant development in this ongoing saga. While the reasons behind Mr. Lelang's resignation were not explicitly stated, his decision to step down opens the door for new leadership within the opposition, potentially reshaping the dynamics of Papua New Guinea's political landscape. Prime Minister Marape's praise for Mr. Lelang's integrity amidst these political shifts highlights the importance of ethical leadership in the country's governance. As Papua New Guinea navigates these challenging times, the need for stable and principled leadership remains paramount. The resignation of Mr. Lelang and the subsequent remarks by Prime Minister Marape serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in Papua New Guinea's political arena and the importance of upholding democratic principles in times of uncertainty.