Decision a win for people: MP

BOUGAINVILLE regional member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr will work with Prime Minister James Marape and Opposition Leader Belden Namah during the post referendum period to determine Bougainville’s political future.
Tsiamalili said this yesterday in joining Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil in welcoming the recent decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss Namah’s application questioning the legality of the adjournment of Parliament last Dec 14, without first observing a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.
“The court’s decision is a victory for the people of PNG and the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Arob),” he said.
“It will allow the National Government to concentrate on the issues that most affect the nation, which of course includes Bougainville’s long term political future.”
Tsiamalili noted that as the newly elected regional member for Bougainville, he was committed to working with Marape and the Government to ensure that post referendum consultations took place as soon as possible.
“My people elected me to be a conduit between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the National Government,” he said. “There are significant issues that need to be addressed.
“This requires commitment at the highest levels.”
The Bougainville Referendum in 2019 saw a resounding 98 per cent of Bougainvilleans vote for independence, rather than greater autonomy.
“The issue of independence is sensitive and requires careful and respectful talk between leaders,” Tsiamalili said.