MP: BRC needs funds

SOUTH Bougainville MP Timothy Maisu, has appealed to new Prime Minister James Marape to ensure funding is given to the Bougainville Referendum Commission to prepare for the referendum in October.
He made the appeal when congratulating Tari-Pori MP Marape on his election last week as PNG’s eighth prime minister.
Masiu, who is also the deputy opposition leader, acknowledged Hela and South Highlands for producing prime ministers and trusted that Marape in his new role would build on from where his “brother” Peter O’Neill had left.
“A son of Hela has become a prime minister of this nation and I must say thank you to the people of Hela for producing this young leader,” he said.
“I also congratulate the leaders of this house in the 10th Parliament, for all of us to give him the guidance in leadership and support him through.”
Masiu said Bougainville was five months away from its referendum on independence but there was a need for assistance to ensure the process was smooth.
“Mr Prime Minister I, don’t want to put this burden on you but the Bougainville Referendum Committee needs funding to carry out the work in preparation for Oct 12 vote,” he said.
“For the first time, all of Bougainville MPs in this House have supported and voted you as prime minister due to our trust and confidence in you.”