Opposition to seek leader

VANIMO-Green MP Belden Namah says MPs who remain in Opposition will elect a new leader to replace Patrick Pruaitch and continue the court case challenging the election of James Marape as prime minister.
He was commenting on the decision by Pruaitch and other Opposition MPs to join the Government yesterday.
“The decision by the now former Leader of the Opposition Patrick Pruaitch to move to Government is a sad day for democracy in PNG and is against the Organic Law on the Integrity of the Political Parties and Candidates we have in our country,” Namah said in a statement.
“One (thing) that has become very clear is that the policies of the Marape government are no different to the O’Neill government.
“There has been no new policy announcements. There has been no real reforms initiated.”
Namah alleged that nepotism was already rearing its head in the Marape-led government.
“For several years, I have stood with Patrick Pruaitch and analysed and condemned the wrong policies of James Marape as finance minister and now as prime minister,” Namah said.
“Members of Parliament in the Opposition like myself will now elect a new Opposition Leader and (make) the Government account for its actions.”
He said first and foremost, the Supreme Court reference challenging Marape’s election would proceed.
“The Supreme Court reference is not in the name of Patrick Pruaitch but is in the name of the Opposition Leader,” he said.
“So while the Prime Minister might think he has bought the silence of the Opposition, we will continue to protect the democratic processes and rule of law in Papua New Guinea.
“Democracy in PNG cannot be bought by the Government. I have demonstrated that time and time again.”