Budget allows normal Govt business to carry on: PM

PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed the passing of the 2021 budget allowing the Government to carry on its business to the end of the year.
“The illegal practice on Friday when the parliamentary process was hijacked by Belden Namah in his haste and lust for power, broke the organic law on parliamentary processes and procedures in particular what Parliament stands for and the way Parliament business is conducted,” he said.
“He also broke Standing Order 43 and 47.
“The Speaker made a correct ruling as technically Parliament is in session because it was not adjourned last Friday. It is a continuation today (yesterday).
“Parliament did convene and passed the budget.
“Let me commend the members.
“We will carry on with Government businesses.
“PNG is not a banana republic.
“You cannot come in and break every convention under the sun in pursuit of your dreams. It’s uncalled for.
“In 2011, our country was tested when members of Parliament tried to usurp the Parliament processes and proceedings and tried to tamper with the judiciary.
“Our country cannot go back to this distasteful activity by politicians who are in pursuit of power and glory. Our numbers are even split.
“For all our programmes for 2020, recurrent programmes of repaying loans and our developmental programmes, we have structured our budget to stimulate the economy.
“Similarly we are structuring our 2021 budget to ensure our country has stimulus and Government funding is spread across the country for activities to take place and the buying power in our economy is running.”