Final day in House

By MALUM NALU
EAST Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare, the country’s first prime minister, is expected to be farewelled today from Parliament – after 49 years in politics.
But the farewell, initially planned for Thursday, has been scaled down and brought forward to today, the final day of the ninth Parliament. Acting Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa told The National yesterday the programme today would be farewell speeches in Parliament followed by a luncheon at the State Function Room.
He said Parliament staff had been preparing for the farewell to be held on Thursday, which was to feature hundreds of school children in Port Moresby.
But they were told on Sunday by Finance Minister James Marape, the Leader of Government Business, that it had to be brought forward because Parliament would rise today.
“We were supposed to have it on Thursday, but we only learned from the Leader of Government Business yesterday (Sunday) that Parliament will rise tomorrow (today),” Aufa said.
“That doesn’t give us enough time (to prepare) and also the budget (is not enough). We had planned for a bigger occasion but we can’t do it now because of the timing.”
It is expected that Speaker Theodore Zurenuoc, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Opposition Leader Don Polye will be delivering the farewell speeches.
Sir Michael is also expected to make his final speech to the House.
It is the only parliamentary business for today – the final day of the ninth parliament before the issuing of writs for the general election on April 20.
The low-key farewell comes after National Alliance Party leader and Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch launched a scathing attack on Government during a party function on Friday.
Grand Chief Sir Michael, the founder of the party, had attended the function. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is understood to be disappointed with Pruaitch over the outburst.
Aufa said they were doing the best they could to make it a memorable occasion.
“We’ve got guys working around the clock to prepare for tomorrow (today),” he said.