Cabinet reshuffle imminent

Following a day of lawlessness in the nation’s capital after members of the Royal PNG Constabulary stopped work due to a cut in public servants’ salary, Prime Minister James Marape is now looking at bringing confidence back to his government with a cabinet reshuffle.

A statement from the prime minister’s media unit states that “the infamous events in Port Moresby last Wednesday, Prime Minister James Marape is initiating a restructure of the cabinet… imminent this week.”

Mr Marape said issues concerning the economy and functions of the key state agencies of the Departments of Treasury, Finance and Planning “have been heard loud and clear.”

“We will examine the central agencies of government along with all supporting departments."

The talk of a cabinet reshuffle followed days after the suspension of four departmental heads.

Mr Marape when announcing the national executive council decision for a city wide state of emergency, also announced the suspension of secretaries for Finance-Samuel Penias, Treasury- Andrew Oaeke, Personnel Management- Taies Sansan and Police Commissioner David Manning last Thursday.

But the Members of the Opposition want the prime minister to step aside, while investigation into the ‘payroll glitch’ takes place under the emergency orders.

Opposition leader Joseph Lelang said the blame stops with the prime minister.  

"Many business houses have gone up in flames or looted. Many people shot and killed. Families are living in fear as all businesses are closed.

“Let me reiterate that we, in the Opposition are now calling on the prime minister to do the honorable thing and resign.”

Mr Lelang said this should allow for a new leadership and government to restore normalcy and confidence back into our economy, businesses and to our people to address and introduce proper tax reforms that is sensitive to our people's plight.

Meanwhile, the office of the prime minister said continued dialogue with affected business houses will continue this week.

"I will specifically meet with business houses affected by the completely unnecessary events of last Wednesday," Mr Marape said.

“Our discussions will focus on ways to assist them in recovering from the arson and looting of their businesses."

In a recent joint media conference, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop appealed to the national government to help affected businesses houses get back on their feet by supporting them financially and also with foreign exchange currencies to help them rebuild and import goods.