Ling-Stuckey accepts demotion

Former treasurer and Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey, who is now Vice-Minister assisting Prime Minister, said he fully accepts Prime Minister James Marape’s decision.
Ling-Stuckey, who has been instrumental, in delivering all of the Marape Government budgets, was present at the swearing in of the new ministers at Government House.
He said simply: “This was not done in the interest of one person but for the continued good governance and integrity of the Government.”
He has been castigated over social media including calls by Members of Parliament for his removal over the handling of the economy in recent days. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso yesterday welcomed the six new Ministers to the cabinet saying that they had a big task to do ahead of them.
“You were picked among a basket of equals.
“The work of a Minister is not easy and our country has a lot of challenges.”
“The challenge is now on all of us to step up for our people, and ensure we deliver as Ministers of State.”
Rosso also thanked two senior Ministers, Rainbo Paita, who has relinquished the National Planning Ministry, and the Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, who has also relinquished the Treasury ministry.
Meanwhile, Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, who was reappointed as the Foreign Affairs Minister yesterday, says he is ready to work.
“I thank the Prime Minister (Marape) and the Cabinet and I am ready to work and to continue the work,” he said.
Tkatchenko resigned last May following widespread anger and controversy over comments he made about ‘social media trolls’ who were angry with a Tik Tok post his daughter had made following a trip she and her father made to King Charles III coronation.
Prime Minister James Marape whilst announcing Tkatchenko’s reappointment yesterday said: “This office represents Papua
New Guinea at the International Level and Tkatchenko did so well when he was Foreign Affairs Minister.
“Engaging with leaders from around the globe on behalf of the country, we achieved so much whilst he was in office, and the cabinet has therefore, decided that he will resume as Foreign Affairs Minister.”
Social Democratic Party Leader, Powes Parkop, thanked Marape and the cabinet for reappointing Tkatchenko saying that he was one of the few hardworking and performing ministers in the cabinet.