‘Let’s see your numbers on Friday’

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – “We have 91 members of parliament in the government as we speak,” PNG’s Finance Minister James Marape said as government MP’s flew to a “camp” in Alotau at the weekend.

“Contrast that with the 17 members who were with the Opposition in Parliament on Friday. Whilst it is their democratic right to exercise section 145, the unstable image of the country being portrayed continues to derail work and development and investment in this country.

“I ask all opposition political party leaders, to come to the parliament with your numbers, and to stop ringing my members offering inducements like money and ministries.

“In this term of parliament, our prime minister and government has been facing many battles sponsored by politicians and we know who they are.

“We will see you all this Friday in parliament and you will have your day to show your numbers.

“The difference between the two sides is that in government we are are all behind one person as Prime Minister, whereas in the opposition you have seven people all with their knives out ready to back-stab each other.

“While this recall of Parliament was unnecessary and expensive our government members will make best use of our time.

“Going into camp provides an opportunity for our members to take time to look at what we have achieved in the past years, and what still needs to be done.

Marape said he welcomed the move by Ben Micah and some members of PPP moving from the government to the opposition, saying Micah’s demands while in Government were often unrealistic.

“Ben Micah asked to be appointed as the deputy prime minister, and when this was refused he went away sulking.

“The post of deputy prime minister is not some prize that is handed around, but is a very serious position in the administration of our nation.” - PNC