102 MPs back 30-month bid

THE bill to amend section 145 of the Constitution, to extend the period before a vote of no-confidence, yesterday went through its second reading in parliament with an overwhelming support from 102 MPs.
The amendment would extend the grace period from 18 months to 30 months, giving the prime minister and his government two and half years before any vote of no-confidence motion could be moved.
The bill would go through its final reading on Feb 5. To have the amendment passed, the government would require a two-third majority of 74 votes.
Among those who supported the bill yesterday were members of the opposition, including its leader Belden Namah and former prime ministers Paias Wingti and Sir Julius Chan.
The only notable absentee was East Sepik Governor and former prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

Eight backbenchers were also absent from the chamber yesterday.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the government coalition had agreed in Alotau that a legislative extension of the grace period from 18 months to two and a half years would give the government sufficient time to fully implement its policies and development programmes that had been identified and translated through the 2013 Budget.
“The bill was for stability and continuity of governance to ensure economic growth, improve social and health conditions of the people, rebuild infrastructure, secure the future by investing in education and to lay the foundation and begin the work towards achieving our goals through a secure and stable government.
“Constant shifting of loyalty in parliament means governments are planning for survival, rather than implemen­ting polices to bring real change for our people,” O’Neill said.
Wingti said the prosperity of a nation depended on stability and the bill would achieve that.
Namah said the amendment was significant after going through testing times.
He said the opposition had seen the amendment as an important step that was good for the nation.
“We cannot measure performance in 18 months.
“If there is a need, we can change it to five years,” Namah said.
“We have to do what is right and good for our country and to suit our times.”