Marape: Speaker’s call on Opposition leadership is independent, not government’s doing

Prime Minister James Marape has dismissed claims by Ialibu-Pangia MP and former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, stating that the ongoing Opposition leadership dispute is an internal matter and not influenced by the Government.

Responding to public remarks made by Mr O’Neill, who criticized Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat for delays in confirming the Opposition leadership, Mr Marape said the Speaker’s actions are based on parliamentary procedure and constitutional responsibility, not political interference.

“The decision by the Speaker on the Opposition leadership matter is not our doing.

“The Speaker has rightly asked the Opposition to sort themselves out and present a clear and unified position. So why is Mr Peter O’Neill worried about this?” Prime Minister Marape said.

Mr Marape said the Government respects the independence of the Speaker’s office and has no role in deciding who should lead the Opposition.

He stressed that the leadership confusion is the result of disunity within the Opposition ranks.

“This is clearly a case of internal instability within the Opposition,” he said.

“The Speaker’s role is to uphold parliamentary process. He has asked the Members of the Opposition to come back with clarity and consensus. That is not an unreasonable or political request, that is procedure.”

He reminded Mr O’Neill that political leadership must be earned through discipline, unity, and legitimacy and not through public blame games.

“It is ironic that someone who once led the country is now blaming the Speaker, an independent office holder, for the leadership crisis within his own side.

“The Speaker is not a judge of their political disputes. He merely facilitates what is procedurally and legally correct," Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister urged the Opposition to respect the separation of powers and allow the Speaker to carry out his role without intimidation or politicization.

“When the Opposition cannot even agree among themselves on who their leader is, it is not for the Government or the Speaker to appoint one for them. They must demonstrate maturity and resolve this internally,” he said.

He added that while the Government remains stable and focused on service delivery, including preparations for the country’s 50th Independence anniversary, the Opposition continues to struggle with its own internal issues.

“The people of Papua New Guinea are watching. We are working. Meanwhile, the Opposition is fighting itself and blaming others for their confusion,” Mr Marape said.

He concluded by calling on Mr O’Neill and other Opposition members to serve the country with integrity and stop dragging independent offices into their leadership battles.

“The Speaker has no business appointing their leader, that is their job. The Government is not involved in this issue. Let us move forward and focus on the real work of serving our people,” he said.