Opposition

The Opposition says the budget bulldozed through by the government using its numerical strength was indeed not a Bill as the figures do not correspond.

The Appropriation Bill reads as over “K21 billion kina signed by the first legislative council” whilst the Treasurer’s speech confirmed the figure to be K12.9 billion.

Opposition Leader, Don Polye who led the Opposition to storm out of the Parliament chamber in protest held a late press conference in which he said there was a major error by the government.

The Government with 75 members  bulldozed the Budget despite the Oppositions queries.

The Opposition queried that there was a typographical error in the Appropriation (general public services expenditure 2017) Bill 2016.

The debate started with Sinasina Yongumugl MP Kerenga Kua asking the Treasurer to explain the figures in the bill when he was about to do the second reading.

He said the figures in the Bill was K21 billion while the 2017 Budget is only K12.9b

The budget was passed 75-0.

This will be the fifth consecutive budget by the O’Neill led Government and the last budget in this term of Parliament before the national election.

The 2017 Budget is set at K12,965.4 million against a revenue envelope of K11,088.8 million.

This comprise of K9,182.2 million in tax revenue, K1,045.3 million in grants and K1,245.7 million from other sources of revenue.

However, Opposition Leader Don Polye debated and termed the 2017 budget as a scam to defraud the people of this nation.

Juffa, who was vocal in the Opposition camp, said he would now return to his province and carry on his duties as Governor of Oro.

“I am not interested in pursuing this matter further because I have limited time and resources. To those in Opposition who wish to go on with this, you may be right but it may be impractical and costly. It is a cost I simply cannot afford,” he said.

He said the vote of no-confidence showed that the Prime Minister has the confidence of the elected leaders in parliament.

Juffa said although, he was on the other side of the house, all  that matters to him is to help the people.  

“I am in the Opposition that is a fact but I also support any positive efforts and any decisions by Government that are for the people and for this country,” he said.

“My anger and outrage and dissent and protestation will be directed at the policies and decisions that are not in the best interest of our people and PNG,” he said.

On Wednesday, another MP in the backbench has defected from the government ranks and joined the Opposition camp.

Opposition Leader Don Polye, on behalf of the coalition leaders in the camp, welcomed Obura-Wonenara MP Merra Minne Kipefa into the camp.

Polye said they were happy that their number was swelling each day.

“He doesn’t represent an urban district in but an isolated area in Eastern Highlands.

He said the nation and the Government thanks him for his service, but the global challenges that face the country are different today than in decades past.

“We were aware that Sir Julius had been planning to move to the Opposition for some time, and I am more than respect his decision,” O’Neill said.

“Government of today is faced by more complex global challenges than at any time in our history.

“We need the next generation of leaders, who are aware of global markets and are schooled in global politics, to lead our nation.

As of last night, the head count was 75, according to reliable sources at the camp.

The source who wanted to remain anonymous told Loop PNG this morning that they are intact and confident to remain in the government.

More than 62 MPs along with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill left for Alotau on Sunday, while 10 of them arrived in Alotau on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Opposition camp in Port Moresby has been getting support from the people and former prime ministers.

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare yesterday showed his support to the team by visiting the camp.

In a media conference this afternoon in Port Moresby, Opposition leader Don Polye claimed that he has evidence that the money totaling up to more than K110 million, coming from government coffers, was used to fund the Alotau Camp.

He called on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to come out clear and explain where that money came from to fund the camp.

Polye described such an exercise by O’Neill as ‘enticement and bribery’, clouding the members of parliament’s conscience.

The Opposition Leader in a media conference this afternoon said it is likely the Speaker will be introducing the Vote of no-confidence and the Members will debate and vote on it at the same time.

He said as per the Standing Orders of Parliament proceedings, it requires seven days when the vote of no-confidence is introduce for MPs to deliberate on.

He said the Opposition is ready to take the matter to court if this happens tomorrow.