Iguan is deputy speaker

The National Main Stories

MARKHAM MP Koni Iguan has been elected deputy speaker of Parliament, replacing Nipa-Kutubu MP Jeffrey Komal of the People’s National Congress Party (PNC).
Parliament voted 65-22 to make the change. Komal was yesterday sitting with his PNC colleagues in the Opposition benches.
Leader of Government Business Rainbo Paita nominated Iguan seconded by Namatanai MP Water Schnaubelt.
Paita acknowledged Komal for his “outstanding performance” as deputy speaker.
“Given the few changes that has happened and the PNC officially on the other side, I wish to have the deputy speaker (changed),” Paita said.
Ijivitari MP Richard Masere was yesterday sitting in for Speaker Job Pomat who was absent.
Pomat also from the PNC, was appointed Speaker after the 2017 general election won by the PNC led by Peter O’Neill.
Meanwhile, O’Neill yesterday condemned he removal of Komal as deputy speaker, saying it “is the height of dirty politics and vindictiveness” by Prime Minister James Marape.
“Our democracy is not built on petty politics. Its foundations have been built of the hard work of people who do their best and who do the right thing to serve Papua New Guinea,” O’Neill said.
“Marape and other government ministers had applauded the work of Jeffrey Komal as Deputy Speaker, and paid tribute to his fairness and his commitment
to serve the nation in this position.
“Marape said Jeffrey Komal served with distinction, and then shrugged off this unfair removal with childish comments about it being just about politics.
“On behalf of other hard-working Papua New Guineans around the country, the People’s National Congress Party commends the diligent work of Jeffery Komal in his time as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.”

4 comments

  • Well time to move on Mr Jeffery Komal,U have done so much with with your fairness in every Parliment sitting, you consider every members as represent of all the People in Papua New Guinea and have time for all of them even thou in the opposition u have time for them to express the concern thy have for their people concern which you have made us the People Of Nipa Kutubu proud as on of the son of Southern highlander who have occupy the position of Deputy Speaker of the Independent State of PNG,that will be in the history book of the PNG Parliaments the big achievement for all of us. also acknowledged the fellows members who have made comments and recommends towards you Mr Komal for what you have been doing during your terms as Deputy Speaker.All the best in your Life Mr Jeffery Pesab Komal. Well done.

  • Now is time for change. Any ministers not capable for their work need to be changed as well. Let others handle the position even the speaker position as well.

  • You can’t be in the Government and oppose decisions as PNC has been doing over the last few months. The rightful place to provide alternatives is the opposite side. The Government made the correct decision.

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