Leader of the Opposition Douglas Tomuriesa has announced the Opposition’s appointment of its Shadow Cabinet and Ministers, noting the importance this provides in the country’s democratic functioning.
The Opposition continues to advocate the crucial role it plays in providing alternative policies, advice, and leadership to ensure Papua New Guinea realises its developmental aspirations.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce the country’s Alternative Government’s shadow cabinet and the capable leaders who will fill these positions.
“In accordance with keeping the Government to account, our shadow cabinet follows Parliamentary conventions to ensure we have concurrent oversight of the National Executive Council for accountability and transparency sake.
“Your shadow ministers, although not fully fledged ministers, will aim to provide alternative policies on the ministries they are responsible for. We aim to work with our line agencies to listen to what they think can be achieved better, be a voice of reason, keep the ministers in check, and provide solutions to them for possible implementation.
“I remind the country that like all Westminster systems of democracy, our shadow ministers take direct precedence after our ministers. We are their alternative so please assess us against them.”
Mr Tomuriesa also reminded the Government and Parliament of the importance of adequately funding the Opposition to carry out its duties to ensure a robust system of government.
“We are also tasked to perform and pledge not to take our positions for granted. We are the Alternative Government so we will carry out our duties with diligence, seriousness, and integrity as if we were the Cabinet.
“We are here to lead, here to serve, and here to provide solutions. We will do this regardless of whether the Government chooses to listen or not.
“Regardless of our goal to change Government, the Opposition wants to set a new precedent to have a robust Opposition for future Parliaments. We must do away with this thinking that being in the Opposition is a death sentence politically, or that change cannot be made implemented, or that nothing can be achieved,” Mr Tomuriesa said.
He added: “Some of PNG’s greatest politicians were also famous Opposition MPs – from Dame Carol Kidu to Bart Philemon, to Bernard Narakobi, to Sam Basil and many others – leaders have a better understanding of our country’s needs when they serve in the Opposition.”
Mr Tomuriesa said the Opposition continues to welcome and appreciate all the support being shown by the public in their effort to #SavePNG.
“I congratulate all our shadow ministers and look forward to providing alternatives for our great nation,” Tomuriesa said.