Opposition move hailed

THE PNG Labour Party, a member of the National Alliance-led Government, has welcomed the Opposition’s move to withdraw the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
“We welcome the move by Sir Mekere Morauta and the Opposition in withdrawing the motion,” party general-secretary Murray Paiva said.
He said the move showed that the Opposition was concerned about due process and was willing to do what was right as stipulated by law.
Sir Mekere announced last  week that he and Bulolo MP Sam Basil had written to the Speaker on July 28 withdrawing the motion.
The reason for the withdrawal was that the Opposition did not have confidence in the integrity of the process being used by the Government to “consider” the motion.
Mr Paiva also clarified that the PNG Labour Party and its leader, Dr Bob Danaya, remained partners in the coalition.
He said just because the Opposition had nominated Dr Danaya as its candidate for prime minister, it did not mean that the governor had jumped ship.
“During that time, Dr Danaya was lobbying to push for things we believed in, such as the Kondra Bill,” he said.
He also clarified that Dr Danaya was not a party to and would not support any future vote of no-confidence.
“Our parliamentary leader is not power hungry and remains focused on his mandate and duties bestowed upon him by his people,” Mr Paiva said.
“Speculation was rife, and I want to assure the Government and our people that Dr Danaya remains committed to his vision, and will remain a member of the coalition,” Mr Paiva added.