Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, has welcomed National Alliance (NA) Party’s withdrawal from Government, just weeks before the country goes to the polls.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Prime Minister said he welcomed the NA Withdrawal, and thanks the NA Party for their five years of support to the PNC-led government.
“The decision was been expected for some time, and the party continuing in the Government would have been hypocritical, considering recent outbursts by some members,” the Prime Minister said.
Last week, the Member for Aitape-Lumi and National Alliance Party Leader, Patrick Pruaitch, was relieved of Treasury responsibilities.
According to PM O’Neill, the move to relieve Pruaitch of the Treasury portfolio, was made in order to maintain confidence in the economy, and ensure responsible administration of that Ministerial portfolio.
“Following recent comments, that have only served to undermine the work and function of the Treasury, his position has become untenable.
“These recent claims on the economy, for which he has had sole responsibility as Treasurer for the past five years of this Government, have undermined his role and credibility,” O’Neill said.
The Prime Minister was talking about the announcement Pruaitch had made last month, about the country’s economic state, saying it had “fallen off a cliff” under the current government.
Today, the Prime Minister says: “The polices of the PNC-led Government are the policies that NA members voted for and supported in Parliament.
Over the weekend, it was reported that Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Malakai Tabar, announced his resignation from Cabinet.
His decision, which became known on Saturday, May 13, is in support of his National Alliance Parliamentary Leader, Patrick Pruaitch.
Both the Treasury Ministry, and the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, are currently without a representation of a member of Parliament.
