Opposition Leader, Douglas Tumoreisa has issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister James Marape following a Supreme Court decision regarding a motion of no confidence (VONC). “My message to the Prime Minister is this: If you are not afraid of a VONC like you say you are, then don’t meddle in the affairs of the PBC, let it be placed on the notice paper, and beat us fair and square with your numbers.” He emphasized that the country's current situation requires urgent action and change, implying that the government’s continued rule is detrimental to the people. He issued the challenge following the Supreme Court's ruling on Monday, August 6th dismissing the Opposition's legal attempt to have Parliament recalled immediately so that the Opposition could push through another VONC motion. However, the majority of the five-judge panel, 4-1, concluded that the standing orders of parliament concerning a motion of no confidence are non-justiciable, meaning that the court has no jurisdiction over matters not explicitly covered by the Constitution. "As the Leader of the Opposition, and the applicant of the section 18 Constitutional Reference, I express my gratitude to our judicial system for amicably resolving our case on behalf of the 33 leaders in the Opposition," Tomureisa said, acknowledging the 17-page decision, and expressing respect for the judicial system's judgment. "Per the ruling of the five-men bench yesterday, the Supreme Court have decided that the standing orders of parliament concerning a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister are non-justiciable, meaning the court has no jurisdiction to deliberate on matters that are not prescribed for in the Constitution." He noted, however, that the Opposition remains critical of the Private Business Committee's (PBC) actions, accusing them of overstepping their authority by disqualifying VONC motions on trivial grounds. "Although the court did not dispute nor qualify the actions of the Private Business Committee (PBC), the PBC’s conduct is still questionable in our view." "As our previous attempts have demonstrated, the PBC overstepped their authority by continuously disqualifying our motions of no confidence for trivial reasons. We remind the PBC members that the games must not continue." "Our people and leaders are well aware of the delay tactics being employed to disrupt the VONC." Despite the setback, Tumoreisa affirmed the Opposition's commitment to pursuing a VONC against Prime Minister Marape. The next opportunity to bring this motion forward will be on September 3, when parliament reconvenes. Tumoreisa urged the government not to interfere with the PBC’s processes and to allow the VONC to proceed transparently. In his statement, Tumoreisa expressed gratitude to the judicial system and the people of Papua New Guinea for their support and patience throughout the proceedings, assuring the public that the Opposition is dedicated to bringing about much-needed change in the government, aiming to alleviate the nation's current challenges and hardships. "I thank the people of Papua New Guinea for following this case with anticipation and support." "The Opposition are heartened by the continuous support, and we envision to maintain the trust bestowed upon us to change this country for the better.