Cabinet reshuffle looming  

A cabinet reshuffle is expected as Prime Minister James Marape aims to maintain grip on power with talks of vote of no-confidence against his government looming.  

Mr Marape said “we [government] have enough talent in parliament to draw on for new ministers and I look forward to put together a constructive Cabinet.”

His comments followed decommissioning of five state minister’s who failed to attend a cabinet meeting, in the lead-up to Tuesday parliament sitting.  

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Don Polye, Minister for Housing, Dr. Bobby Bomareo, Minister for Energy, Robert Naguri and Minister for Tourism, Isi Henry Leonard and Finance Minister Rainbo Paita.

Mr Paita lead 18 government members of parliament to the Opposition camp.

“I allow all ministers full autonomy to work their respective portfolios, however, instead of working for our people, they play politics,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Our country has been plagued by leaders playing so much politics at all turns and not working to deliver to our country.

“Our country is not run by one person in the prime minister, but by a body of Cabinet members comprising of ministers, deputy prime minister and prime minister.

“I am sad to let the leaders go but they chose to abscond from their portfolio duties and engage in politics in the face of a vote-of-no-confidence.”