Marus says Pangu stays with coalition

National, Normal
Source:

The National – Monday, December 20, 2010

By PILA WASU
TALASEA MP and acting Speaker Francis Marus has reaffirmed his commitment to the National Alliance-led coalition government in light of current political instability facing the country.
The shaky political situation resulted from a recent Supreme Court ruling on the June election of the governor-general (GG) as null and void and the stepping aside of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare following his referral to a leadership tribunal over misconduct charges under the Leadership Code.
Marus, who is the centre of attention in his key role as acting speaker in presiding over the election of the new GG next month as ordered by the Supreme Court and possible moves by the opposition to overthrow the government, said: “I will not break this government. I will take this government through to the elections.”
Marus said this while officiating at the opening of classrooms, administration building, ablution block and teachers houses.
The buildings were constructed at the cost of K3.6 million by J&J Constructions for the new Malalia High School in Hoskins LLG area, West New Britain, on Wednesday.
The acting speaker was accompanied by Nuku MP and housing minister Andrew Kumbakor and Moresby North-east MP Andrew Mald.
That raised speculations on the eve of their travel to Kimbe that the move was related to the current political developments.
“There is talk that the acting speaker has brought people to Kimbe to form government. That is not true,” Marus said.
Kumbakor, who is Pangu Pati parliamentary leader, also publicly committed the party’s support to the government.
He said Pangu would provide stability to the government through the acting speaker, who is a member of Pangu.
Meanwhile, Marus also fired a broadside at West New Britain Governor Peter Humphrey for failing to officiate at the opening of the school buildings.
“Let’s not play politics. The make or break of this government depends on me, your MP,” Marus said.
“I am the acting speaker and he should have been here to greet me.”