The Opposition remains steadfast to move a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion against the incumbent prime minister, despite a show of strength by the government this week with a Vote of Confidence on the floor of parliament, showing support for Prime Minister (PM) James Marape. The Opposition Leader and Member for Kiriwina- Goodenough Open, Douglas Tomuriesa, described the government’s move for a motion for the Vote of Confidence on Thursday 15th February as a gimmick as the Constitution is superior to the parliamentary standing orders. He also went on to say that the motion of a Vote of Confidence on Thursday was unconstitutional. “If the Constitution says something and the standing orders say something, you have to respect it (Constitution). If we cannot respect the basic principles of the law on the floor of Parliament, then how do we expect the people of Papua New Guinea to respect the laws,” said the opposition leader. “Whatever they tried does not stop the Vote of No Confidence motion that the Opposition has brought before parliament.” “We are looking forward to Wednesday next week and we are assured by the Office of the Speaker and the Clerk that it (VONC) is the property of the parliament and the motion must go before Parliament for testing.” “We have consulted our seniors, the legal brains, and we are comfortable with the motion itself, so if somebody thinks the motion is dead and gone, I want to tell you that the motion is well alive,” he said. Even though the Opposition still does not have enough numbers to challenge the PM, Mr. Tomuriesa stated that they are strong with the likes of two former PMs and people with legal background, people well attributed with government policies and agendas, and will continue to defend the Constitution and the rights of the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Tomuriesa added that they will not be intimidated by the government numbers as shown this week on the floor of Parliament and will continue to stand for the people. Meanwhile, the VONC notice had to be refiled by the Opposition to the Office of the Speaker of Parliament on Wednesday 14th February at 3:30pm after a certain requirement in the notice was not satisfied. The Acting Speaker of Parliament, Koni Iguan would not say what exactly, but said the motion is through and will possibly be tested on Wednesday 21st February on the floor of Parliament.