Two MPs break ranks

By JEFFREY ELAPA
TWO members have become the first in the new parliament to break ranks with their parties and align with new parties.
West Sepik Governor Amkat Mai was the first to leave the opposition bench to join the National Alliance party, a coalition partner in the People’s National Congress-led government, last Friday.
Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough Douglas Tomuriesa is said to have left his Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party to join another party but that has not been confirmed as an official announcement is yet to be made.
He was the national president of T.H.E Party before contesting the elections under its banner.
Mai said his move to join the National Alliance, led by Patrick Pruaitch, was done in the best interest of his province and for political stability.
He said since four members of parliament from his province were in government, he had decided to join them to ensure political stability in the province.
“It is important for me as the governor to have the support and quorum in the provincial assembly to make policies that will affect the lives of the people in the province.”
He said his other reason for joining the party in the government coalition was for the benefit of the province in terms of service delivery.
Mai, an educationist-cum-politician from the Telefomin district, is a first-term politician and contested as an independent in the 2012 general election.
He decided to team up with the opposition led by Belden Namah, another party leader from his province, after his declaration.
However, last Friday, Mai decided to make known his intention to join NA after Sir Michael Somare handed over the leadership to Pruaitch early this month.
The National Alliance now has eight members after the inclusion of Mai.