Marape: I am just a conductor

TARI-PORI MP James Marape, the son of a pastor, told Parliament yesterday he was holding the conductor’s wand and needed “singers” from both sides of the House to make up the choir.
He said the “melody” would depend on everyone in the choir – the bass, tenor, alto and soprano.
“I beg every one of you on both sides of the house,” Marape said.
“I am just a conductor, you are the singers, who sing the song and the melody and harmony comes out.”
“Let us start this new journey as we stand in the face of 2020s.
“I will try my best and everyone will do your part.”
The election of the prime minister was the first order of business after the prayers.
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas nominated Marape seconded by Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin.
Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch nominated Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill seconded by Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah.
Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat nominated Sir Mekere Morauta seconded by North Fly MP James Donald.
O’Neill later withdrew his name saying he just wanted to test the motion of no-confidence filed by the Opposition on Wednesday.
The vote was taken on an open ballot with Marape winning by 110 to 8.
The eight were North Fly MP James Donald, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah, Moresby North-West MP Sir Mekere Morauta, Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu and Kavienge MP Ian Ling-Stuckey.
Madang MP Bryan Kramer abstained from voting. The 111th MP was Pomat.
Pomat then suspended Parliament to allow Marape to be sworn in at the Government House.
Parliament resumed at around 11.30am for Marape to deliver his maiden speech. “Today I stand humbled before this House and before the people of this country as the eighth prime minister,” Marape told the Parliament.
“This is a privilege I don’t take for granted.
“It’s an honour that I truly and humbly accept.
“On behalf of my wife and children, tribe of Huli, Tari-Pori, Southern Highlands and Enga, friends and associates, thank you for giving this highest honour and privileged to occupy the office of the prime minister of Papua New Guinea.”