Proposal for new portfolios questioned

A GROUP has condemned a Government proposal to add six new portfolios to the 32-member Cabinet, saying it is “self-serving”.
Catholic professionals society president Paul Harricknen was commenting on the plan by Prime Minister James Marape to increase the number of ministries to 38.
“There can be no justification at all,” he said.
“It is not in the national interest.
“ It is only a numbers game to remain in power when the 18 months grace period ends.
“How much work is there that requires more ministries and what about the existing vice-ministers.”
Harricknen said that the Government proposal was also a mockery to the state of the economy and the people.
He added that such changes to the laws “to accommodate parochial interests and political expediency is not good for the country.”
“It reflects poorly of good governance and investor confidence.
“A well-performing government should have no reason to be afraid of a vote of no-confidence.
“There should be no reason to panic as such provisions and the Westminster parliamentary system of government were adopted in the Constitution to ensure that we do not have a despot in office with absolute power.
Harricknen said MPs should take a conscience vote on the proposal.
“Political leaders must be aware that the people are watching, and God is watching too,” he said.