Sir Puka says change must follow process

DEPUTY Prime Minister Sir Puka Temu indicated yesterday that a change in the leadership of the National Alliance party was imminent and were it to occur, the proper process would be followed.
Sir Puka is the deputy NA party leader for the Papuan region and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Mines.
He said in statement that the party had a clear legal process in the change of party leadership, and part of that process was the parliamentary caucus which will discuss this matter on Monday.
Agendas include proposed amendments to the party constitution, proposed alterations to party policy and proposed rules about results for selection of the parliamentary leadership.
Sir Puka said on the looming vote of no-confidence against the government, his group was intact. Sir Puka said: “My MPs are not going anywhere. We are here to promote and protect NA. We will use our party institutional processes to discuss the leadership issues.”
He also denied reports claiming his defection to the opposition.
“We have come of age, have matured and are of the opinion that the nation must maintain policy and macro-economical stability through political stability.”
He said NA was a political institution. “It does not belong to me, or Don Polye or even the prime minister.
“NA has strong grassroots, middle class and upper class membership, which is its strength.
“We have all worked hard to make NA what it is now and wish to take it to greater heights.”