Basil wants more Shadow Ministries

PANGU Pati Leader and Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, wants more shadow ministries for the Opposition to mirror all portfolios in Government.

Basil said currently there are only 14 Shadow Ministries funded for the Opposition ranks which has been the norm since independence.

He said the funding will allow shadow ministers to adequately keep in check the Ministers in Government.

Basil plans to ask the Opposition coalition to make a submission to the Parliamentary Council to fund 

“If the government has 33 Ministries, we want 33 Shadow Ministries in the opposition so that we can effectively put up policies against the government on the floor.

“In the standing orders, it allows for Shadow ministers to deliver ministerial statements, but unfortunately we do not have enough resources to go after those ministers to make sure that we provide the ultimate policies,” he said.

Five Independent MP’s have joined PANGU Pati and they are led by Sir Mekere Morauta.

The others include Central Province Governor, Robert Agarobe, Rigo MP, Lekwa Gure, Wabag MP, Dr Lino Tom, and South Fly MP, Sekie Agisa.

PANGU predicts it will have 20 parliamentary members by the end of the year.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole