Marape: We must respect court ruling
PRIME Minister James Marape has called on all Papua New Guineans to accept the ruling of the Supreme Court in favour of Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill.
Marape also asserted that there was no vacancy in the position of prime minister.
“I appeal to our citizens to respect the ruling of the High Court of our country in favor of O’Neill’s Supreme Court reference,” he said in a statement.
“Our country’s judiciary is the better arm of government – a fair place where any aggrieved person or parties can seek redress.
“Let us protect our judiciary and refrain from unnecessarily making our own interpretations and inferences on our judiciary.
“Let us all continue to protect and respect our judiciary.”
Marape said every leader and political party had the right to bid for the prime ministership.
“This play in parliament is nothing but a bid for someone to be PM,” he said.
“In fact, over the last 18 months, I have been managing politics and the associated court cases that were running until this political upheaval.”
He said the executive government “is in place doing its work until proper parliamentary processes affirm or denounce my prime ministership”.
He appealed to citizens, public servants and business houses not to get caught up in the current political fiasco.
“Let politicians manage politics,” he said.
He warned those in the Opposition that “we will test the numbers on the floor of Parliament”.
Parliament prepares to sit on Monday, says Aufa
By HELEN TARAWA
PARLIAMENT will convene on Monday as ordered to by the Supreme Court, says Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa.
Aufa told The National that Monday “is not a sitting day according to the standing orders”.
“But there will be a session as required by the Supreme Court,” he said.
“We’ve been ordered to sit on Monday so we will follow the order although Monday is not a sitting day.”
He said Speaker Job Pomat was away in his home province of Manus and was expected to return this week.
“Once Pomat arrives, we will have a discussion on the next cause of action in terms of recalling parliament and sending out notices to members of parliament,” he said.
Parliament was adjourned to Dec 1 during its sitting on Nov 13. Top of the agenda was the tabling of the 2021 National Budget and a proposed motion of no confidence to be moved against Prime Minister James Marape.
The national budget was passed during the Nov 17 sitting which the Supreme Court has ruled was unconstitutional and invalid.
It means the Government has to re-table the national budget.
Meanwhile Marape says the government camp has 55 MPs.
“They are rock solid responding to the call to rally behind my government and behind the new vision we have set for the country,” he said.
“The 55 MPs are rock solid and we are constantly coming to and fro into (camp) to ensure we have the head count and roll call. As I speak , the 55 MPs are safe and secure.”
O’Neill welcomes decision on Parlt sitting case
By ZEDAIAH KANAU
IALIBU-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill has welcomed the Supreme Court decision to declare the Parliament sitting of Nov 17, plus the passing of the 2021 National Budget, unconstitutional.
He said outside court after the five-man bench had handed down the ruling in Wagani, Port Moresby, yesterday that it was “another historic day for Papua New Guinea”.
“We want to thank all our supporters and especially our legal team (from Young and Williams Lawyers), the Leader of the Opposition and members of our team for their strong support and the belief that they had for doing what is right and fair for our country, and that is that democracy must prevail in Parliament,” O’Neill said.
He said the decision by the Supreme Court was very clear “that Parliament must resume and it must proceed with integrity and fairness in its proceedings.
“That is why the Speakers’ decision on Nov 16 was wrong and illegal and court has found that to be the case. We will now of course resume Parliament on Dec 14. We look forward to dealing with all the parliamentary issues on that day. But let me assure you, the Speaker had been illegally advised. Of course, the Speaker himself is a very decent man.”
Speaker Job Pomat was elected in the 2017 general election as the Manus provincial MP under the banner of the O’Neill-led People’s National Congress Party. “He was a member of my party for 15 years and his conduct has been encouraged by many behind the scenes,” O’Neill said.
“I understand that he will do the honourable thing (to allow) Parliament to operate in a manner that is expected of our democracy and our Westminster style of government.”
Namah optimistic about chances to form government after court ruling
By ZEDAIAH KANAU
OPPOSITION Leader and Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah is looking forward to Monday when the court-ordered Parliament reconvenes.
Namah said outside court that he welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that the Nov 17 sitting of Parliament called by Speaker Job Pomat was unconstitutional after it had been adjourned to Dec 1.
“I’m just thankful to the judiciary for having to make the ruling unanimously in the favour of the leader of the People’s National Congress (Party),” Namah said.
Namah said the Opposition camp was ready to deliver the next Government to the people.
“We welcome the decision. We are ready for Dec 14 to go into Parliament. I ask the Speaker of Parliament to do the right thing. He has asked for it. He wanted the court to order him.
“The court has now made the decision and made the order accordingly that the Parliament be recalled at 10am on Dec 14.
“So as far as the Team Vanimo, camped at Crown Hotel is concerned, we are ready to deliver the Government to the people of Papua New Guinea.”
Namah said that the Vanimo team already had the majority.
“We have the majority of 55,” Namah said.
Namah, when asked on when a change of Government would occur, he responded by saying: “We will give the people of this country a Christmas present”.
Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill warned PM James Marape that he did not have the confidence of Parliament to continue to govern, saying he was running a minority government.
“He has got no numbers to conduct himself in Government. He runs a minority Government. In May 2019, when we lost Government we had the minority Government at that time and he asked us to resign. We resigned.
He has to do the honourable thing before Parliament resumes on Dec 14.”
Namah also urged Marape to resign.
“I just want to reinforce the statement by the Leader of PNC and former PM Peter O’Neill. I’m now calling on Hon James Marape to do the right thing by the people of this country, to resign as the PM, effective as of today (yesterday)”, Namah said.
Iguan happy with court endorsement of his ruling
Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan has welcomed the Supreme Court ruling affirming all the decisions he had made in Parliament on Friday, Nov 13.
He said he was looking forward to working with the Speaker Job Pomat to carry out what the Supreme Court had ordered.
“I want to thank the people of PNG for their prayers and I want to appeal to (MPs) on both sides of Parliament to respect the rule of law and meet on December 14 to sort out all these matters and set a way forward for our people and country.
“I shed tears of joy today when I received the judgment because my rulings as acting Speaker were done with advice of the Clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa and his team and without fear or favour.”
Iguan, the Markham MP, said he was aware that the chair he was on as acting Speaker was that of the democratic institution of Papua New Guinea.
“It is my motivation to serve my people of Markham and any state and constitutional office with distinction and integrity, leaving a positive and enduring legacy for future generations of our beloved country. I had to stay above and out-of-reach of my own party politics and even coalition partnership politics on the floor against the government-of-the-day in making rulings as the chair had to be impartial and its integrity protected.
“As I said after the session on Nov 13, I double-checked with Clerk of Parliament that my rulings as acting chair were in order. I was assured they were.
“I also briefed Pomat on his return from Manus that afternoon on what had transpired on the floor and my rulings as acting chair. (So) I was surprised by his decision to recall Parliament.
“But all that is now history as the Supreme Court has ruled affirming my rulings as acting speaker on that day.”
35 comments
Every one of the members of Parliament (Govt/Opposition)will face God on the Judgement Day (White Throne) after they die. They will end up in Hell for all eternity if they don’t repent from their sins. The Lawyers and Judges likewise…. There won’t be any Lawyers to defend you when you stand before the Almighty God. Now you can play money, but in the after life it will be a different ball game. Who will be the lawyer to defend you?? THE ONLY LAWYER THAT CAN DEFEND YOU IS THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST- ISRAEL’S MESSIAH AND GENTILE’S SAVIOR.
AMEN!
amend, praise God….is there a Bible verse in Revelation chapter 20 that says they can run to Waigani to get a restraining order to stop them from attending the Great White Throne?????????…….
Let Marape Rule, and I know he will still be our PM and we will see many MP at BOMBEX and many won’t come back in 2022.
Oneil, Nama and Puratch are cowboys. They are planning to rob png and rig elections in 2022. Don’t vote them, they are traitors who work for curtails and international criminals. Let Marape rule to 2022 for equal and fair elections.
What is O’Neil and Belden trying to prove?
O’Neil runs this nation down when he was the PM
Can we just leave JM until 2022 ?
PO, PP, and BN have all had their chance. Never in their time, did they stand up for equal benefit sharing for the people of this country. We need PJM now, to fight for our rights for our God given resources. Much have been stolen by so called investors under the very eyes of PO, PP, and BN. Who are they standing for????
I ‘am much more absorbed in the response by Namah when asked on when a change of Government would occur, he responded by saying: “We will give the people of this country a CHRISTMAS PRESENT”.
He (BN) surely have to explicate which CHRISTMAS PRESENT he denoting to. Is he altruistic to the Country or every citizens of this nation a GIFT that would legatee in this Christmas moment? 95% of Papua New Guineans are in a juncture of hope for gifts and he once more require pure elucidation to the Country.
To me it is indeed a sacrilege or contempt to this Country. This Country understood wholly that you (BN) and your so-called team veiled your ambiguity and impurity. Simulate to act to comfort this Country. Your Christmas present is a gift of corruption herewith contain insatiability, paucity of sympathy, egotism, unsteadiness, inattention, perjurer and shortfall of reflection for others.
Enoch MacTeine Agyonga
Giriu Village
Chuave Chimbu Province
EMA too ya!!!
Speaker and colluders, please i highly nominate you all for entry into Bomana prison. No respect for the house, the holy bible and the 8+million people of the democratic nation.
Your action and smart words of false confidence showed clearly that is unconstitutional!
Development wont take place over night, we have seen many politicians complains about little things just to serve their own interest. Many of them are corrupted and traitor who need changes in their lives.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, after you adjourned the parliament sitting, you should have been neutral as per the nature of your parliamentary duty and responsibility as Deputy Speaker or as a/Speaker at the time. Why did you run to the opposition camp the next moment as if someone was chasing you. All your actions were highly suspicious of impartiality and collusion with the gang of corrupt individuals who called themselves leaders. You should not have been acting on that position. Now you are talking as if you are holy. You need to hang your head in shame.
Both Sides are corrupt no need to support. Everything happen for a reason so larim olsem.
The result of ill-advise by Clerk of Parliament.
This same Clerk says the Court’s decision to recall Parliament was expected. What kind of lame lawyering is that?
It wasn’t the same advice to Pomat, that Papu from Manus decided to take the laws into his own hands. The ruling of the supreme court is very clear.
The government tried to hijack the system but they failed. Marape should resign, what a shame he still hangs on to justify his stupidity and mistake.
Papu thought he knew everything after his “conscience” was reaffirmed by the “Scientist” aka Jack of All Trades.
Mi sem lo behalf long tupela papu na scientist..hehe
Court has finally made decision for Parliament to resume sitting on Monday which is a good news to the opposition, now the question that hangs in our mind is to really know who would be a prime minister nominee.. should it be Sir J? Maybe give him a last try and see what he can do before he retire from politics…Ol yangpela ino bihainim gut rot so givim lo lapun na bai m soim ol rot lo go…..Givim bek ship igo lo lapun skipper na yupela ol yangpela iken sapotim em.
Makes two of us to think to think it that way
Greed, envy, self ambitious is the norm between both government and opposition bracket… you’re only fooling yourselves and God Almighty is watching… After your time, generations will suffer big time… what is lost will take time to recover… This is not a game, you’re dealing with human beings which are indeed God’s creation… Just remember “everyone was created equal” so are you… Do what is right and according to the rule of law….
God bless PNG
All clear minder simple PNGeans (God minded) please continue to uphold all our 111 members.
Dont worry about anything, pray for everything and let the truth of the WORD take its course.
What’s impossible for God Almighty you and I put our trust in?
Thank you PNG, God blesss PNG!
Deputy speaker why would people pray for your foolish decision which you haven’t even know your roles and responsibilities. It simply means that you don’t know your role. As a leader you make sure you are making the right decision which will not put other people or parties at risk.
So I don’t think people will pray for your wrong decision, instead it’s going to be opposite.
Definitely a system of electing the PM must change to stop all this nonsense.Monies, are been squandered just to retain numbers.In doing so bribery,corruption is always at work .
We have lost tons of money at the hands of a few greedy people.Comes 2022, we all need to elect new leaders who will represent our interest with integrity and dignity.Dispela rabis pasin lon senisi PM yumi wok lukim olgeta taim mus STOP!
Thank you PMJM, trupela leader man.Let them come to the battle field where it matters on the floor of the parliament .
They already have too many chiefs to choose from so number bai short.Too many chiefs and not enough Indians.Wan kain pasin olsem oli sa tok” too many cooks spoil the soup”.
Haus bilon yu em yu wanpela leader man tasol ya PMJM, so namba em intact istap.
Anybody can sail the calmers waters, but the rough seas make good sailors..Your compass has already mapped its course. We look 4wd for your continuity through this troubled waters.
Marape has a big mouth! A week ago he said that his government always follows the law.
People of PNG have should know that what they did on the 17th of November is very wrong. They decided to tale the law into their own hands. They hijacked the parliamentary system and thinking that they can get away with it.
WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD SUPPORT THAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT AND LEADERSHIP?
Bring on the 14th you will see Hon. Members walking out of Marape to the opposition side.
I am so sad to see that most of my country men are brainwashed by the sweet talks of Marape.
Guys
Marape government break the constitution right there in front of our eyes by influencing and coerced the speaker Pomat (who could not think for himself) to recall parliament.
In a true democratic tradition. If the government had 10 of its MP walked out on him, he will hand in a resignation and called for fresh election which Marape failed to do. Secondly he hijacked the parliament, break all the rules to pass the budget without the balances and checks which only the opposition can bring. He had the second opportunity to resign when the judiciary rules against him and his government but he still refused to resign. I am not a fan of Namah and Oneil but from what we have witnessed, Marape has break all the rules of democracy to try cling on to power and still call himself Mr Clean. The speaker POMAT needs to resign too for favouring the government I believe he is more worry about his job than protecting the integrity of his chair and the people of Papua New Guinea.
I salute the deputy speaker of parliament for upholding the integrity of the chair and the people of Papua New Guinea for his action in this Saga.
Agree with you Anton..
Marape and Pomat should resign in shame. What they have done is similar to what O’Neil and Namah did some 9 years ago. Olgeta wolf in sheep’s skin. For Namah and Pomat, both SDAs and even Namah an SDA should hang their heads in shame. They’ve all been using God’s name in vain for their political interests.
Furthermore, I do not agree with Marapes statement regarding “Let politicians manage politics,”, we the people have given them the power to run this Country. That power still rests with us. We have the right to talk, discuss Politics etc and even come out in numbers and voice our concerns on how these rouges are messing up our country… It’s time for us to stand together come 2022 and vote for what’s in the best interest of our country.
Marape could resign on Monday before parliament sits.
Thus his Government would end.
His party could nominate him as new PM and there would be 18 months before a Vote of no Confidence could be proposed against him
What we seen displayed is all politics. PO illegalIy taking over a legitimate government in 2011 was declared by NC as unconstitutional. This court decision was carefully and cleverly DELAYED by the high court nearly for months. PO and BN were very dangerous desperate men then that tempered with the core of the constitution, which illegally replaced a PM. At that time there was no vacancy in PMs office. PMJM accepted the court decisions. I was expecting the government to appeal the decision as was the trademark for PO and BN
back then. The government showed maturity to ensuring that the constitution became the winner, our people respected by way of government acknowledging the outcome of the court decision that the government had erred in its decision to adjourn Parliament. This type of leadership and maturity we want to see. I don’t see this happening in either PO or BN. My view is that they’re dangerous men, emotionally unstable and shows signs of dictatorship that will bring this country to its knees if given any chance to lead this country.
I salute Marape for accepting the courts ruling and respecting the law of the land. Whether he continues to maintain PM or not following Monday’s seating, he has set a good precedent in doing so.
Namah, Oneil and the Opposition MPs are corrupt, greedy and self-centered individuals who will never put their country before them but think of themselves. I commend Marape and his colleagues for fighting the people’s fight which should have been done in the days of crook PO & BN.
Most of the members in the opposition will never retain their seats after 2022 election.
Namah is such arrogant person. How does he call a New Prime Minister to be decided on 14th a x-mas gift? Is he going to give us PO, PP, himself. PNG doesn’t need corrupt idiots as present but something bigger like economic independence as gift. Namah’s side of team are all got dirty hands. PNG does not need anyone of them as x-mas present. Such a stupid.
PO is now talking as a front man with Beldan Namah. Maybe he wants to take back the Prime Minister seat. Who knows his intention! After getting into power, PO will kick Beldan Namah out of the picture just like what had happened previously. Beldan will than return to Opposition and will start attacking PO again. This game will continue as long as they are around.
The recent court battle is won by PO and not the opposition. Opposition through BN have voted for parliament sitting to be held on December 1, that adjournment was also thrown out of the window by the Supreme court apart from the parliament sitting dates set by the government side being made invalid. In other words, the opposition have slap the government on the face and also slap themselves on the nose. No actual winner declared yet here in this political tug-of-war. In-fact they draw. The grand final will be played either in the coming Dec 14 sitting or sometimes at a set date in the future.
At this stage, I do not see opposition on the winning side, however I see the courts on the winning side, making decision without fear or favor unlike in the past when the courts have been sometimes hijack by the past governments. I see a responsible government that accepts the ruling of the court unlike the previous government that often ignore the court rulings.
Courts to be independent in their decision making is the most important thing for PNG in this news. We don’t want to see chief justice(s) being chased around in the court house, court system hijacked or manipulated by the politicians. chief justice delaying important cases in fear of their lives or the lives of their families.
Well done Supreme Court.
Game is not over yet, now we wait and see the final tug-of-war.
All these politicians are doing this for their personal gain at the expense of the majority of ordinary Papua New Guineans that will gain nothing from these changes and life will continue as normal.
All these politicians blame each, yet their past records speak loudy of the personal gains each of them have made been in government.
Why don’t we let this current government complete the rest of it term and then go to election in 2022 and form a new government.
John Pundari or Petrus Thomas should be nominated for the PM’s job. James Donald for Deputy. Sam Basil is selfish, greedy and incompetent so he should not be given any ministerial portfolio.
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