While Manus MP Ronny Knight may not be eligible to vote, he has made it clear that if he were to vote it would have been determined by his conscience.
He said his decision would have to be a moral one that represented the good of the nation rather than sacrifice his principles for his people.
Speaking about the current government, he said there comes a time in a man's life when he must make the hard decision like weighing the interest of his district against those of the nation.
He said he believes Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has done a huge job under a lot of controversy that needs closure. And he is sure that many Papua New Guineans feel the same.
“I am currently unable to vote as the speaker in his wisdom will not allow me to sit despite my stay order which my legal counsel advises that I should not be allowed to sit. When a tribunal meets, suspension starts. I did not challenge the tribunal but embraced it believing I would be exonerated, however my guilty verdict was handed down and I then challenged it by seeking judicial review,” said Knight..
Therefore says he patiently awaits the outcome of his judicial review before he can officially add his vote to any side.
Meantime, he says there are many MPs, even ministers, who have stayed the actual tribunals. This means that their stay orders allow them to remain as MPs but their suspension from parliament is still current, a case similar to his.
Knight added their tribunals have not been completed, but the speaker is allowing these members to represent their constituents.
Photo: File picture of Manus MP, Ronny Knight.