Approved for Release
ABAU MP Hon. Sir Puka Temu has welcomed the decision by Gulf Governor Hon. Sir
Chris Haiveta to resign from Government and join the Opposition in an effort to
stand for the greater good of the country.
Sir Puka joined Opposition MPs Hon. Kerenga Kua and Hon. Peter O’Neill this
afternoon to show solidarity and officially welcome Sir Chris on behalf of the 33
leaders in the Opposition.
Sir Puka said: “I am encouraged that Sir Chris made the bold to decision to resign
from government, especially when his leadership provided a lot of credibility and
stewardship to the PANGU caucus.
“Sir Chris needs no introduction to PNG politics, and his contribution to national
politics over the years is widely recognised and acknowledged.
“He has demonstrated a lot of patience and optimism to support the Prime Minister,
but as many of us have come to realise, that support can only go so far when the
country continues to suffer because of incompetence.
“I especially endorse Sir Chris’ reasons for his defection from government. The
catalogue of Marape’s failures he highlighted are explicit and is directly the reason
why the country’s leadership has become complacent and stagnant.
“From billions in unaccounted COVID-19 funds, to no APEC 2018 report on
expenditure, zero action on a checkered Police Commissioner, landowner issues for
the PNGLNG project, and many questionable multi-million-kina deals.
“Sir Chris is a PANGU man and has a longstanding connection to the party from his
days as party leader. It is not an easy decision to leave a government that is led by
your party, but evidently, there is much to be desired from the Prime Minister’s
leadership.”
