Opposition camp names Pruaitch alternative PM

THE 67 MPs in the Opposition camp have nominated Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch from the National Alliance Party as their choice for prime minister.
Tari-Pori MP James Marape said Pruaitch was picked by the MPs in a “consensual decision”.
The MPs had left it to the leaders of the three major parties – Pruaitch from National Alliance, Marape from Pangu and William Duma from the United Resource Party – to agree on a nominee. They were in a closed-door meeting on Monday afternoon to deliberate on it.
But yesterday, it came back to the 67 MPs to make the choice
Marape said it was not about political parties, ethnic identities, gender, culture or tribalism but about a group of “like-minded leaders” working together “for something that transcends far above anything else”. He also called for the processes to change Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government done “without any impediments”.
Pruaitch thanked Marape, Duma and the 66 MPs for trusting his leadership.
“There are many leaders here who have the potential of becoming great prime ministers and I am humbled to be chosen by so many good leaders,” he said.
He said they were “ready to take back PNG”.
Pruaitch said they were not worried about the court case filed regarding the vote of no-confidence. He believes they have the numbers to ensure a “smooth” change in Government.