Presiding government not threatened by numbers in Opposition camp

The ruling Pangu Pati government remains confident with its coalition partners to overcome the looming vote of no confidence by the opposition.

Pangu Pati leader and Prime Minister James Marape said the government dominated by his party in collaboration with United Resources Party, Social Democratic Party, People’s First Party, People’s Party, National Alliance, People’s Movement for Change, Melanesian Alliance, and Melanesian Liberal Front are not threatened by the opposition camp.

Mr Marape said his coalition will front the VoNC process pushed by the opposition with reassurance and confidence that the government will conquer on the floor of parliament.    

“In the face of a vote-of-no-confidence, we welcome Section 145 process where a majority of MPs affirms government,” Mr Marape said when thanking his alliance associates.

“At the moment, the majority threshold is 56 MPs, and Pangu and our Coalition partners now are not threatened by a minority.

“God knows what is best for PNG. All Christians are asked to pray that God’s will for PNG prevails at all times.”

Marape said Pangu partners have shown solidarity and stability in government ranks amidst a motion of VoNC with 70 members in support.

The Pangu leader also made it known that of 18 MP’s that joined the Sanctuary Camp on Saturday, 6 returned to Loloata yesterday, with the last being Dr. Kobby Bomareo who re-joined this morning.

Meanwhile, the opposition announced Rainbo Paita is the new alternate PM after initially handing the top post to East Sepik governor Allan Bird.

Governor Bird commended Paita for taking the shift in direction and expressed his support to take the PMs seat through the VoNC process.

“As is customary in our politics, the person with the most support receives the nomination. In this instance the man of the hour is Rainbo Paita,” Bird said.

He said, “we waited for 3 months for our leaders to come and join us. The majority of our leaders don't like the direction our country is going but they lack the will to make the change. We are grateful for the courage shown by this group of leaders led by Hon Paita.”

Parliament will reconvene at 2pm this afternoon for the second sitting of the 2024 political calendar.