By Scott Waide – EMTV News, Lae
Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, has told a public gathering in Lae that all 15 Pangu MPs will resign from Pangu and either join another party or establish their own. While Basil stopped short of stating clearly if Pangu MPs will remain within the PNC led coalition, he did, however, express his desire for coalition stability in the vote of no confidence period.
“Now that we are in government, we have made a commitment to stay in government. If I have an opportunity to change the law, I will. We should not change government.”
The Bulolo MP who was appointed Finance Minister, after James Marape resigned, has been fighting an ongoing battle with executives of the Pangu Party who want him out.
Today, after receiving a petition from the group in Lae, he pulled the proverbial rug from under the executive arm saying publicly that, ‘Pangu MPs will not be used by executives who did little to resurrect the party.’
“We will not allow Morobe to be used by executives of Pangu Party.”
This week, party executives still went ahead and ejected Basil yet again. This now means a new party leader will have to be elected. As the vote of no confidence date nears, the rift between Pangu Executives and its parliamentary wing has never been more obvious. The supposed election of Morobe Governor as Pangu Leader was later denied adding to the confusion.
The Party’s position has not yet been made clear. Pangu MPs, have remained officially silent since a string of resignations began.
Basil’s appointment to the Finance Ministry gives him more reason to defend the PNC led coalition. But Pangu Caucus will decide where the 15 members will stand after they resign from their own party.
With a non existent parliamentary wing, Pangu will cease to have a voice on the floor of Parliament.
