Approved for Release- Leader of the Opposition
LEADER of the Opposition Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa has commended the decision by Governor for Gulf Hon. Sir Chris Haiveta to leave the Marape Government and join the Opposition.
Mr Tomuriesa said the decision is highly respectable given the deep connections Sir Chris
has with PANGU but is one that demonstrates that political affiliations must never be at the
sacrifice of our national wellbeing.
Mr Tomuriesa said: “On behalf of the Opposition, I officially welcome Sir Chris to the
Opposition and acknowledge his steadfast commitment in supporting a greater cause to
collectively save this country.
“Sir Chris brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and capability to the Opposition, and we look forward to consulting him and gauging his views on solutions needed to fix this country in the coming weeks before Parliament.
“It is never an easy decision for a member of parliament to switch their political affiliations,
and Sir Chris is a testament to that. With a very respectable position as a senior PANGU Pati leader, and a senior Governor in government, Sir Chris had much to consider before making his decision.
“But as he outlined, the country is in a very difficult position because of the failing leadership of Prime Minister James Marape. I know many parliamentarians are making tough and thoughtful decisions on what they should do.
“My message to MPs in government who are sitting on the fence is to consider the country
and not the comforts of politics. Us MPs will come and go, but the country will always be
here. It is our decision to stand up for change that will save this country.
“If a senior leader like Sir Chris can see that things are not well, a man who has experienced the politics of the 90s and 2000s, and a former deputy prime minister, then there is no excuse for us all to assess our political convictions and make a stand for this country.”
