New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, says it is saddening to see the recent defection of two People’s Progress Party (PPP) parliamentary members to the Government.
He sad the action by both MPs were disheartening after treating them as family.
Both Milne Bay Governor Titus Philemon, and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu, defected to the Government ranks last week. Philemon joined the United Resources Party (URP) while Masiu joins National Alliance (NA).
“For me it’s a very sad day, to witness that some of the people within the party that I have personally helped so much and treated them almost like my brother, and leaving the party for something bigger than almost life itself. And I don’t know what that is, what prize it is so I’m very sad,” said Chan.
“I had very little to do with the new member for South Bougainville (Masiu), but the (PPP) Leader himself Ben (Micah) spent a lot of time and a lot of money to help him.”
Last week PPP Leader and Kavieng MP, Ben Micah, confirmed the defection of both MPs and they have accepted their resignation.
He said the defection on the eve of the elections does not affect PPP in any way and that the party is used to having MPs jump ship.
“This is not a new thing. Our skin has become too thick dealing with this sort of behaviour.
“So Timothy and Titus have joined a whole string of former members going back 48 years who’ve been under PPP and for some reason, change their alliance. And I wish them best of luck in the new parties they have joined and good luck to the test of wining their seats under some other party,” said Micah.
Newly-appointed PPP Deputy Leader, Ken Fairweather, was less diplomatic in his opinion about both defectors, likening it to prostitution.
“Titus and Timothy went for money. That’s what they went for.
“That’s the name of the game at the moment. Everyone goes for money. So they’ve gone, good!
“If you’re a p**** you should go. It’s as simple as that, really,” said Fairweather.