Ipatas thanks Opposition, calls for stronger leadership

Alternate Prime Minister nominee Sir Peter Ipatas has thanked the like-minded Opposition members who represented the people of Papua New Guinea well in today’s Vote of No Confidence.

He said he accepted the Opposition's nomination because he wanted to answer the people's call for change.

Sir Peter said many MPs had shown dissatisfaction with the current government, which also influenced his decision.

"I wouldn't have accepted nomination if honorable members of this House did not express their dissatisfaction with the performance of Prime Minister James Marape.

"I want all leaders to be leaders. We must not be like 'Meri', gossip, gossip. I heard the cry and the dissatisfaction from our leaders and accepted this nomination," Sir Peter said.

"I also realized that we have problems. The people of this country were crying for some sort of a change. So, I also accepted this nomination."

He said accepting the nomination was not easy, but he did it for the best interest of the country.

"And I have no regrets, in my decision" Sir Ipatas said.

He called on ministers and coalition partners to stop gossiping and instead speak directly to the Prime Minister about national issues.

"This country belongs to all of us, our people.

"Give the Prime Minister opportunity to solve the national issues that are confronting him. Let us not continually put pressure on him, on DSIP and PSIP all the time," he said.

Sir Peter urged the Prime Minister to make tough decisions in the remaining years before the 2027 National General Elections.

"You have been in office for six years. That is a long time. The people want to see you take tough action to solve the problems they face," he said.