Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Besil called Finance Minister James Marape a “LIAR” during question time in parliament yesterday.
Frustrated Besil questioned Minister Marape as to why DSIP funds for members inthe Opposition were withheld.
Minister Marape calmly assuredthe member that his funds would be released in March.
Mr Besil claimed that Finance Minister James Marape llied tothe people oPNG when he saidthe country was experiencing a cash flow problem resulting inthe withholding of DSIP funds for some MP’s
He futher claimed that Minister Marape used DSIP funds to lure first time MP’sto vote for the extension ofthe Grace Period.
However, Attorney General Kerenga Kua called for a point of order and asked Besil to withdraw his statement as he, as a first time MP, was not lured to vote for the bill.
Finance Minister James Marape calmly told Mr Besil not to interfere with his roles asthe minister and explained wherethe delay was.
He said not only members ofthe opposition missed out inthe first paymentocertain members ofthe government also missed out and gave an undertaking to paythem by March.
Minister Marape called on all members to fixtheir treasuries from now till March for future payments to be made directly into district treasury accounts and not as cheques.
Ruth Rungula, National EMTV News
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