Fate of 12 Pangu MP’s who defected to Opposition to be decided this week

Prime Minister and leader of Pangu Pati, James Marape has announced that the Pangu council convened earlier today [Sunday] to address the issue of the 12 members of the party parliamentary wing who defected to the Opposition nearly a week ago.

The party leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, ministers Joe Sungi, Soro Eoi, Peter Tsiamalili, and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, as well as party President Erigere Sigin, General-Secretary Morris Tovebae, and other council members, confirmed their support for the party's parliamentary leadership.

The Prime Minister in a statement released on Sunday said that the issue of the 12 MPs who defected will be handled in accordance with the party's Constitution, with a meeting scheduled for Thursday, 6th June.

He emphasized that only 12 members have left the party, not the "mass defection" claimed by Renbo Paita.

The prime minister also highlighted that despite the defection, Pangu still has the support of 47 MPs, demonstrating the party's majority representation and the people's mandate in Papua New Guinea.

Meantime, Mr Marape was also disappointed in Mr Paita for neglecting his duties. He mentioned that the former Minister had been given important responsibilities in managing the country's finances as the Minister for Finance and as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The Prime Minister, however, has emphasized the importance of building a strong and resilient party like Pangu Pati, which has played a significant role in the development of Papua New Guinea since gaining independence in 1975.

The Prime Minister also defended the Party and Government, pointing out that the election results reflect the support and mandate of the population.