Economic, political stability vital, Polye says

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday February 26th, 2014

 TREASURY Minister Don Polye says economic, financial and political stability are important for the country’s growth. 

He joined Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and other ministers in welcoming onboard three new ministers after a cabinet reshuffle.

Polye said the country was going through a crucial stage in its economic growth and the government needed strong ministers to take the lead in that path. 

Polye, who is leader of the Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party, congratulated Sohe MP Delilah Gore, a member of his party and who was appointed as Minister for Higher Education. 

She replaced another THE member and Ijivitari MP, David Arore. 

Polye said it was an historic occasion for PNG to have two women as cabinet ministers in the government. 

Gore and two other MPs were sworn in at the Government House yesterday as ministers. 

Gumine MP Nick Kuman was appointed Education Minister and Henganofi MP Robert Atiyafa the Police Minister, replacing Madang MP Nixon Duban, who was elevated to Petroleum and Energy Minister.

Meanwhile O’Neill told a media conference afterwards that (political) party leaders were subject to follow rules.

He said this after a decision was made to remove Hagen MP and United Resources Party leader William Duma as Petroleum and Energy Minister. 

He said Duma remained part of the government and it was up to him whether to move on. 

O’Neill said the decision for a reshuffle was made through a wide consultation and he expressed confidence for the three new ministers.