Pangu Pati welcomes new members Masiu, Naguri

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE Pangu Pati has welcomed two more MPs to its ranks – taking its numbers in 111-seat Parliament to 38.
Prime Minister James Marape, the party leader, said South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu was joining Pangu from the National Alliance Party, and Bogia MP Robert Naguri was joining from the Liberal Party.
Marape said the boost in their numbers could not have come at a better time.
“They made their choice with no pressure placed on them, going into 2022,” he said.
“Their realignment with Pangu would mean well, as far as their constitutional duty is concerned for their electorates and the country.”
Pangu Pati president Patrick Pundao welcomed Masiu and Naguri to the party saying they would further strengthen the party’s parliamentary wing. Masiu said his move to Pangu was special because Pangu “is a traditional party (which) he has joined voluntarily”.
“Nothing has been offered to me. This is purely (based) on my judgment of the political landscape developing in the country and (on) the leadership we have in the country,” he said.
He thanked the National Alliance party for accepting his resignation from the party.
National Alliance Party leader Patrick Pruatich thanked Masiu for his support and contribution to the party.
Naguri said his decision to move was to ensure that his people of Manam received the support they needed.
“For too long they have suffered, and past governments have turned a blind eye to their plight. This government is moving ahead in its support for the people of Manam and Bogia and I am grateful for that.”