Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita, a nominee for Alternative Prime Minister, has openly challenged Prime Minister, and PANGU leader, James Marape's claims of unanimous support within PANGU Pati. Referring to Marape's statement issued on June 9th, 2024, Paita criticized Marape's assertions that all PANGU MPs supported his leadership, noting that he and 11 other MPs who opposed Marape were not given the opportunity to vote during the critical caucus meeting. Paita emphasized that, contrary to Marape's statements, their dissent and right to vote were unjustly ignored, thereby misrepresenting the true level of support Marape has within the party. "Mr Marape proudly stated that the party unanimously voted to maintain his position as party leader, and maintain the position of the deputy party leader, but I place on record that we, the PANGU MPs who have challenged Marape's leadership, were NOT given an opportunity to vote on this matter." "At the time of the meeting, we were still PANGU Pati MPs and should have been accorded our right to vote in such an important meeting, so our votes, and dissent, were formally registered." "Unfortunately, we were denied this right as party members." "Mr Marape is misleading the public to suggest he received full support from all PANGU members." "He certainly did not." "We firmly stated our disappointment and disappointment with Marape's many failures as party leader and Prime Minister.” He expressed his disappointment over being labeled a "renegade" by Marape, recalling that similar actions in the past were respected rather than disparaged, such as when Marape himself left the PNC Party and the government. "Apart from the late Sam Basil and the late William Samb, I was the only consistent member of PANGU since its resurrection by the two leaders." "Even before entering parliament in 2017, I was a PANGU man, and I have been a PANGU man until now." "Reading the PM describe my colleagues and I as 'renegade' is disappointing," Mr Paita said. "Even in 2019 when six other PANGU MPs and I left government and moved to Laguna to support Mr. Marape to become the PM, late Sam Basil never described our decision as 'renegade' but respected our decisions." "Mr. Marape says one thing one day, and a different thing on another day - first, he says he respects our decision as MPs and leaders, then he turns around and uses derogatory terms such as "renegades" to try and humiliate us." "This is just like his leadership, it's just one thing one day, and a different thing another day, but never a decision to actually do something." "In 2019, we left the government based on our conviction to support him to become PM (and) at that time, the PM as Member for Tari Pori welcomed us and said it was patriotic and for the best interest of the country but now saying we're renegades, but as some say - statements of convictions for some people are relative to where they stand." "The country needs a hard reset; it needs a national coalition of not just MPs in the opposition, but in government as well - to come together and form a union to solve our nation's critical problems now." "Our problems are so serious we must put petty political differences to one side and focus on solving our country's crises, because that is what we have been elected to do." "I am called a renegade with few of our brothers and sister who left the government for our individual convictions." "We did not desert the country; we just do not accept Marape's failed leadership." "I personally don’t mind being called a renegade when it's for the right reasons." Contrary to the statement made by Mr. Marape, Mr. Paita made it clear that seven days' notice of termination of party membership, as required under PANGU rules, was not given to the MPs who stood up and challenged Marape. "We did not go to the caucus to plead to stay in the party - I led my team to tell the PM the exact reasons why we left the government, and why we did what we did, (and) the things I said in that caucus meeting is privy to that Party caucus meeting and will not be disclosed in public unless by the Party Leader himself." "We simply told the caucus why we made our decision and that we were ready to face the consequences of making that decision," Mr. Paita clarified. Mr. Paita maintained that the party meeting was flawed because "we were not permitted to be present in the whole meeting, and we were denied our right to vote." "Yes, PANGU is bigger than all of us, but PANGU today is not upholding the principles it was founded on, (and) when Marape stated that he put his leadership on the PANGU table and all 46 MPs decided there was no vacancy and he was re-elected, I challenge Mr. Marape to use that same spirit of leadership and allow through the PBC (Private Business Committee), which is dominated by Pangu MPs, to approve the Notice of Motion of No Confidence and let Parliament decide." "If Mr. Marape is confident of his support as PM, then he should have no issue having his leadership debated by all MPs."

West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, has made a strong push for the expansion of National Identification (NID) registration in the province, announcing a substantial allocation of K1 million to support the rollout. The initiative underscores the critical importance of biometric identification for all citizens, with K600, 000 earmarked specifically for acquiring advanced NID registration kits from the USA. "It's very critical to have NID for all our citizens," stated Muthuvel. "The K600,000 is mainly to get the NID registration kit, which registers not just names but also fingerprints and eye scans, ensuring we have complete biometric information." Currently, West New Britain is equipped with only two registration kits, which has limited the pace of the rollout. Despite these constraints, the province has managed to register 130 people, placing it 7th nationally in registration numbers, behind the National Capital District (NCD), which benefits from easier access and better resources. Muthuvel emphasized the need to prioritize remote and challenging areas such as Kendra and Gloucester districts. "We appeal to the NID team to start from our remote areas," he urged. "Once these areas are covered, we can move to the other districts like Nakanai and Talasia, which are more accessible by road." The allocated funds will be used to purchase 20 additional registration kits and K300, 000 will be spent on consumables and equipment, including NID cards that cost around K12 each. Muthuvel stressed the need for either government subsidies or free distribution of NID cards, especially for rural populations. "This card will be mandatory by the 2027 election," he noted, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive registration before the deadline. Muthuvel expressed gratitude for the efforts of long-serving NID Director General Noel Mobiha, who has been instrumental in preparing and training teams across various provinces. "With his guidance, we should be able to get all of our people registered before 2027," Muthuvel said, reinforcing the broader significance of NID beyond electoral purposes. The governor's proactive approach aims to ensure that West New Britain's citizens are fully integrated into the national identification system, facilitating access to services and participation in democratic processes. This move reflects a broader commitment to leveraging biometric technology for enhancing governance and service delivery in Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister, James Marape, has said he is looking forward to working with the newly elected Maprik MP, Libert Kapris to develop the electorate, especially in the agriculture space. The new MP came out victoriously on Friday, June 7th, in the by-election after the seat had been left vacant by the late Gabriel Kapris, who passed away in 2023 due to a heart attack at the Port Moresby General Hospital on August 13th last year. Mr Libert Kapris ran under the People’s First Party, which is led by Yangoru-Sausia MP, and International Trade and Investment Minister, Richard Maru, a coalition party to the current Pangu led ruling party in government. “I commend Maprik MP-elect Libert Kapris of People’s First Party for his win in the Maprik Open by-election in East Sepik on Friday,” Prime Minister Marape said, when also commending the runner-up and Pangu Pati candidate, John Simon, for his strong challenge in the by-election. Marape, who is also the leader for Pangu Pati, which has recently been split, said, “The People’s First Party, led by Yangoru-Saussia MP and International Trade and Investment Minister Hon. Richard Maru, is a valuable coalition partner in the government I lead.” “I congratulate MP-elect Kapris, Minister Maru, and the People’s First Party for the win and look forward to working with them for the good of Maprik, East Sepik, and Papua New Guinea.” “Maprik, by virtue of its agricultural produce such as cocoa, vanilla, and coffee, is one of the richest districts per capita in Papua New Guinea.” “Agriculture and downstream processing are a focus of the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP) 2024-2033 which I will be launching shortly, and no doubt, Maprik will be in the lens of my government.” “I look forward to working together with MP-elect Kapris, Minister Maru, and People’s First Party to further develop this agriculture downstream processing in Maprik as well as turn the Sepik Plains into a major agricultural hub – something that I have been passionate about.” Marape also commended Pangu Pati candidate and former MP John Simon for graciously accepting defeat. “I have campaigned for my Pangu Pati candidate, John Simon, during the by-election and we graciously accept the democratic outcome with Libert Kapris as winner.” “The people of Maprik have placed their trust in Libert Kapris to lead them and we respect that and look forward to working with him for the good of Maprik, East Sepik, and Papua New Guinea.”

New Ireland Governor and veteran politician, affectionately known as 'the last man standing', Sir Julius Chan has criticized fake news announcing he had passed away. The alternate government's spokesman, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel dismissed it as another hoax. "I firstly want to thank Governor Sassi Mutuvel of Western Britain for the encouragement and I think together we confirm that I'm still alive, but more than that I just simply want to thank you for your care and I want to let you know that you're not the only one," said Sir Julius Chan today. "All my families all over have sent their concern, and some people around the world have already sent their condolences of my supposed premature death." "I've been there for some time." "I will not allow you to crucify me earlier than what my creator wanted me to do here on this earth!" "I thank you all for sending all the messages but I feel very embarrassed and very disheartened by the fact all my family's all over and people that I know all over and I'm not just a Papua New Guinea, a Papua New Guinean leader." "I am a world leader by virtue of my period in office." "So Mr Governor Mutuvel, thank you very much," he said addressing Governor Muthuvel's concerns over the fake news. "I was very pleased to hear your voice message and also the leader of the opposition, (Douglas Tomuriesa) and I say to you if you think that we are on course, we'll move it." "Just know that I may not be in parliament where the circus is but I will be with you when we cross the line together." "So go full speed ahead." "The nation needs you and change must come." "We cannot go together. It's enough now. Thank you."

News circulating on social media regarding the passing of New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, is fake, says PNG's alternate government. Today, spokesman for the Opposition, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, this morning called for the public to be weary of a repeated fake news offender from New Ireland Province with ulterior motives. Mr Muthuvel made this call after another shameless post alleging Sir Julius Chan passed on at 2:30am this morning, and was circulated widely on social media causing fear among many people. “It continues to baffle me the amount of times this individual has written and circulated fake death posts about Sir J over the years." “In fact, in the last year alone, this individual has written about 5 different posts that Sir J died, and even more since 2020." “The posts all carry the same similarities — the text is written in all capital letters and the image is heavily edited." “We all have a good idea who is so deeply affected by Sir J’s leadership." "This person has no issue berating Sir J publicly, so it’s no surprise they continue to wish one of our founding fathers death.” Mr Muthuvel said he called Sir J this morning, who was in his usual high spirits and gave his commitment to support any Alternative Government team meetings in person if needed. “Unlike some desperate New Irelanders, Sir J still has the class and credence of a senior leader and citizen. “It is highly unfortunate this individual doesn’t have the ability and courage to keep personal and political differences between themselves, instead of causing fear and concern about a senior leader’s life." “Unfortunately for the individual, I know Sir J still has much to contribute to our nation’s growth, and will be around to see this country turn 50 years and beyond — he is the steady hand that continues to guide today’s leaders." Mr Muthuvel urged the general public to be weary of this social media agitator who continues to attack people online to further their personal agenda. “It’a not just Sir J, but many other people including myself who have been targets for this person." "I note the posts this person authors either have some link to New Ireland, or claim to have inside information of PANGU Pati or politics in general." “We see your games and will reveal you publicly soon enough,” Mr Muthuvel warned.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has praised outgoing Chinese Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency, Zeng Fanhua for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea and China. Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the numerous successful visits and agreements, including MOUs signed during the tenure of Ambassador Zeng, reflecting the strong China-PNG partnership. "You put your heart, your strength and all your ability in making the relationship between China and PNG bigger and better than it its ever been before," Minister Tkatchenko told Ambassador Zeng during his farewell function. "That shows our relationship as well with our two heads of government." "Ambassador, your term here has been remarkable, its been one of consultation with all of us, one of energy, friendship and you have put the commitment, responsibility and the initiative into ensuring that our China-PNG relationship grows stronger going forward into the years ahead." Minister Tkatchenko said the Marape-Rosso government holds the One-China policy and works with the Chinese government for the benefit of both countries in the bilateral relationship moving forward for bigger and better partnerships. "We've had many successful visits and the last visit was by the Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency Mr Wang Yi who came here and we signed many MOUs and different agreements for the benefit of our country economically and physically.' "It's been a privilege to work with you side by side as Foreign Minister and thank you for your efforts in working with all our governors, MPs, Prime Minister and even business houses, Chinese community in PNG, they appreciate your leadership, your honesty, trust and professionalism." "We look forward to receive the new ambassador and we will work closely with him as we have done with you." "Our China-PNG relationship will continue from where you left off and we look forward to our future relationship going forward." In response, Ambassador Zeng expressed gratitude for the support and friendship he received during his three-year term and announced his next posting as Chinese Ambassador to Berlin, Germany. H.E. Zeng Fanhua arrived in PNG in May of 2021 and had served for three years. He had travelled to 11 provinces besides NCD and had made many friends whom he said he will miss. "It was a journey of learning about and to falling in love with PNG." "I's hard for me to leave so many friends I made this time, leaders, officials, representatives of the government, parliament, agencies, universities, communities, PNG and Chinese companies and colleagues of the diplomatic Corp, you all have given me a lot of help and support." "Together we have gone through the covid pandemic, we shared, joys and sorrows, we were partners at the beginning and gradually became good friends and brothers. I would like to thank you all for your help and friendship." "I will leave PNG happy and satisfied, through joint efforts we have achieved many successes we can be proud of."

Police in the Central Province have arrested and charged a man for attempted rape, with the Provincial Police Commander confirming the suspect now awaits his court appearance. Central PPC, Senior Inspector Joseph Salle said the adult male suspect allegedly attempted to rape a female victim at Bereina, in the Kairuku District of Central Province. “Police alleged that on May 03, 2024, between 3 pm and 4 pm at the Bereina Station in the Central Province, the named suspect from the same location attempted to rape the victim whilst she was under the influence of alcohol and intoxicated.” “The victim then reported the incident to the police where the suspect was apprehended by the Bereina Police Officers,” PPC Salle said. He said the suspect was then transported to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at the Central Office where he was formally arrested and charged with one count of attempted rape under Section 343 of the PNG Criminal Code Act. PPC Salle further said the suspect is now detained at the Boroko Metro Cells in NCD and awaiting his court appearance.

Prime Minister James Marape has assured that the National Government will relocate the 7,849 people directly affected by the Mulitaka landslip. The government has committed K20 million to assist recovery efforts and will work with the Enga Provincial Government on an evacuation plan. "The State will acquire land away from the disaster site and properly settle people in a stable area," Marape said. He clarified that the disaster zone remains unstable, preventing body retrieval and road reopening, as geo-technical assessments from New Zealand and Australian defense forces indicate further risk of landslips. He also noted that efforts to establish an accurate death toll are slow due to the instability of the disaster zone and the area's role as a rural trading spot near the Porgera Gold Mine. So far, six bodies have been retrieved, with many more casualties expected, and over 150 structures have been destroyed. Meantime, the Prime Minister has expressed gratitude to global bilateral partners and relief agencies for their immediate and unprecedented support following the Mulitaka landslip. "I want to thank all our global bilateral partner nations who have sent well wishes, relief aid, and pledges for assistance toward reconstruction," Marape said.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, James Nomane who is also the Shadow Minister for Treasury, Finance, Economy and Rural Development, and Chuave MP has reflected on decisions by the current Prime Minister James Marape in recent times on critical issues, stating that they "causing more problems, than solving them", suggesting the prime minister resign over 'decisions deficiency". "Recently some political commentators who blindly endorse Honourable James Marape as the Prime Minister, decried the Opposition’s push for a VONC, arguing that “a change in the Prime Minister will not fix the problems the country has.” "This is where they are wrong!" "Decisions have the power to affect people and the decisions, or indecision, offering Prime Minister, affect the nation." "This is the most important leadership quality that evades Marape – the innate ability to make decisions that are in the country’s best interests." Mr Nomane said if Marape was serious about the country, he would make the following decisions to save PNG. "Review the national budget and cut spending, stop borrowing, and reduce taxes; give the Central Bank their independence back; stop printing money at the Central Bank; stop Connect PNG and other pork-barrel programs." "Give each province Block Grants and greater autonomy; stay out of all negotiations for extractive industry projects, cancel the monopoly Puma has on fuel supply to the country and open competition." Mr Nomane further suggested PNG Power and Air Niugini should be privatized "so they can be competitive and profitable". "Appoint a Cabinet based on merit and not reward political “yes” men and appoint a competent Treasurer." "Resign as the Prime Minister for being unable to make the preceding 9 decisions." He said these decisions would immediately stop the fuel crisis, cost-of-living crisis, and create jobs, and eventually stop blackouts, flight cancelations, and create mass employment. "This is the power of decision, and Marape just does not have it." "We judge MPs by their actions, therefore, what is Marape waiting for after 5 years, to make these decisions?" "Here’s another one: Can the Prime Minister James Marape sack Police Commissioner David Manning, for his alleged incident, that has gone viral on social media?" "This decision would restore confidence in the RPNGC and mitigate our law-and-order crisis? What is Marape waiting for?" "Marape’s inability to make decisions has exacerbated the various crises affecting the nation and this incompetence cannot continue." "It is time for a new PM who can make decisions."

This afternoon (Thursday, June 6th) in Port Moresby, the Opposition, led by Leader Douglas Tomouriesa, held a press conference to address the issues surrounding the recent vote of no confidence (VONC) in Parliament, and announced their intention to seek a court order to recall Parliament immediately to resolve the pending VONC. Tomouriesa expressed his dissatisfaction with the events that transpired in Parliament on Wednesday June 5th, describing them as a "sad moment for Papua New Guinea." He criticized the Speaker's handling of the situation, accusing him of yielding to executive interference and undermining the independence of the legislature. "We personally believe, the opposition believes, that yesterday was a sad moment for Papua New Guinea; a sad moment in that the legislature was supposed to be independent in its decisions that it makes, and we have clearly seen that there was a lot of interference from the executive body of parliament yesterday," Tomouriesa stated. The Opposition leader argued that the Speaker had initially agreed with the points of order raised by several opposition members, yet still made a contradictory decision. This, he claimed, eroded the respect and authority of the Speaker's Chair. "The decorum of Parliament is the responsibility of the speaker; it is the speaker that brings respect, that brings the Chair, the authority of Parliament, the respect of Parliament, and the practice of Parliament lies with the Speaker," Tomouriesa emphasized. Abau MP Sir Puka Temu also elaborated on the constitutional implications, stating that the actions of the Speaker and the government majority on the Private Business Committee effectively defeated Section 145 of the Constitution, which governs motions of no confidence. "Yesterday's show by the private business committee, chaired by the speaker, and the government side showed that Section 145 of the Constitution was defeated yesterday," said Sir Puka. The Opposition highlighted multiple instances where their motions of no confidence were rejected on what they considered trivial grounds. They argued that these rejections were not in line with the constitutional requirements and were indicative of bias within the Private Business Committee, which is dominated by government members. Sir Puka insisted that the committee's decisions on the motions were flawed and that the courts must intervene to ensure the constitutional provision for a VONC is respected. The call for the recall of Parliament is rooted in the Opposition's belief that the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament are failing to uphold the integrity of parliamentary procedures. Tomouriesa and his colleagues criticized the Clerk for providing misleading advice to the Speaker, which contributed to the rejection of the VONC motions. They said it is important to adhere to the Constitution and maintain the independence of the legislature from the executive. Meanwhile, the Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane echoed these sentiments, stressing the gravity of the situation and the necessity of adhering to the rule of law. He confirmed that a brief on the Opposition's legal actions would be provided soon, aimed at having Parliament recalled to address the VONC.

Two suspects of a break and enter case in Bereina in the Central province are in police custody and will be charged soon. Central Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Joseph Salle said the suspects allegedly broke into, illegally entered and stole properties at the transfiguration in Bereina District in the Central province on Monday this week. "Police alleged that on Monday May 24, 2024 a female complainant reported that the suspects broke her room through the window and stole several items including two smart phones, a hand watch, and a pair of wireless earbuds at the community of Transfiguration in Bereina District in the Central province." PPC Salle said police personnel responded to the complaint registered and conducted a dawn raid on the premises of the suspects and apprehended them and transported to the Sogeri Police Holding Cells and detailed them. PPC Salle further revealed that the stolen properties have been recovered by the Bereina Police Officers and returned to the owner. The suspects are now detained at the 15 Mile Police Cells in the Central Province police station. PPC Salle said the suspects would be processed and formal charges would be laid against them when all the necessary information are made available.

In a bold and urgent plea, the Registrar of Political Parties, Emmanuel Pok, has called on Parliament to prioritize the revised Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) to prevent undemocratic behaviors and political instability. Speaking today (Tuesday, June 4th) at a press conference in Port Moresby, Pok expressed serious concerns over the lack of parliamentary interest in this crucial legislation, explaining that “we desperately need the policy to regulate this situation and restore democratic order in our government”. “The Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission is alarmed by the Parliament’s neglect of the revised Organic Law,” Pok stated. He detailed the exhaustive efforts since the Supreme Court's 2010 decision, involving key stakeholders, to revise and submit the law to the National Executive Council in 2014, only for it to be ignored. “After the Supreme Court decision in 2010, the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission together with the key stakeholders like the Constitutional Law Reform Commission, the State Solicitor's Office, the Auditor General's, the National Research Institute, the Attorney General's Office, we formed a committee and we revised the Organic Law.” “The work was completed in 2013 and in 2014 it was submitted to the National Executive Council.” “Since then the revised Organic Law and the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates have never been debated in parliament.” “It stayed with the government in 2013, that was the 9th parliament, and then it died in the 2017 elections, and after the 2017 elections, the Registry of Political Parties went back, did consultation, you know, we have to go back to the drawing board again, get the drafting instructions in and then we have to get set it again, went to the National Executive again and then it has never seen the light since today.” He stressed that it has never been debated in Parliament and remains stalled, leading to the current political chaos. “We are really concerned about the lack of interest the members of parliament have in this law and now we have a situation.” Pok highlighted the revised law's importance, stressing that its absence has fostered undemocratic practices within Parliament. “This is a policy situation that the Organic Law and the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates should address, and in the absence of the Organic Law, now we are pushing this big policy issue back into the political party, and it should be addressed at the Constitutional level.” He urgently appealed to the Marape-Rosso government to address this legislative void, noting that the revised Bill awaits a certificate of necessity from the State Solicitor's Office before proceeding to the National Executive Council. “We are appealing to the current government – the Marape-Rosso government to address it.” “In the beginning of 2022, the law saw its light when it was put on the notice paper in 2022, but then, there was no quorum, and elections were coming up, and so even though it was on the notice paper, it was not debated.” “We have five Constitutional amendments, but then we didn't have the numbers for the law to go through, and since then, it died with the last parliament and we (Commission) have resurrected it again, and it's with the State Solicitors.” “The revised Bill is with the State Solicitors to seek clarification and to attain the certificate of necessity before it goes to the drafting states, and once it goes into the National Executive Council, I want to appeal to the Members of Parliament to have a keen interest in it.” “It's now becoming very serious now, because in the absence of the law, we have undemocratic behaviors being cultivated in our parliament.” “We desperately need a policy in place to regulate this situation.”