Duma, party join Opposition camp

By REBECCA KUKU
UNITED Resource Party leader William Duma led his 10 MPs out of the Government coalition to join the Opposition camp on Friday “in the best interest of the people”.
The Hagen MP who was the Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment said it was a very difficult decision to make.
“Each one of us considered everything carefully before making this move. I was with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill since 2011. And from all of us who stood with him since he first took office, I am the last one remaining by his side. But now I am here because I believe and stand by my principles. I cannot serve under his leadership anymore,” he said.
The other cabinet ministers in his party who have also resigned are Minister for Petroleum and Energy Fabian Pok, Police Minister Jelta Wong, Minister for Labor and Industrial Relations Mehrra Kipefa, and Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Bougainville Affairs Tomait Kapili.
The other MPs in the party are Anglipm South Waghi MP Joe Kuli, Middle Ramu MP Johnny Alonk, Western Governor Toboi Awii Yoto and Bougainville Governor Joe Lera.
Duma thanked O’Neill for his leadership but said no one was perfect and the nation needed a change.
“It’s nothing personal. We have just come to that stage where we need change. The prime minister’s seat is not a birthright. And for the love of God and country, we feel that (change) is needed now,” he said.