Proposed constitutional amendment termed as ‘Dangerous’
The Opposition has described the proposed amendment to the Motion of Vote of No Confidence under section 145 of the constitution as a " dangerous amendment" proposed by the Government to remain in power.
In a chorus of blasts from the opposition government against this proposed constitutional amendment presented by Justice and Attorney General Minister Pila Niningi in Parliament, Hiri Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu says since 1975 to date, the Marape Government is the only Government that brought multiple constitutional amendments and this one beats them all.
" The founding fathers of the constitution will tell us, that the section 145 provision was inserted as a pressure valve for the people of Papua New Guinea through their elected leaders to express their dissent in the event that observations of management of the economy and the country is not on to par, " Mr. Iduhu said.
Deputy Opposition Leader and Chuave MP, James Nomane echoed similar sentiments, questioning the motives behind this proposed amendment.
He questioned the motivation for amending section 145, which prevents the voices of the people of Papua New Guinea from being heard in the House.
" This is a democracy, we have to promote disagreement, debate, discourse, deliberation and we have to disagree.
"We cannot allow this kind of flippant amendment to the constitution for something that's just so important as the vote of no confidence," added Mr. Nomane.
The Deputy Opposition Leader believes this is a weaponisation of legislation by the government to be in power.
On the contrary, the Bill received great feedback from the members of the ruling Pangu party and its coalition partners.
The second largest party, Our Party, led by Party leader, Rainbo Paita who recently joined the Government supported the Bill to be passed in Parliament.
He says stability in government is critical to progress the country's development.
Meanwhile, the proposed constitutional amendment to section 145 received absolute majority of 79 votes in favour and 14 votes against it.
The bill is set to go through it's third reading in two months time.