Members of the Opposition have declined Government’s offer to be issued an APEC vehicle. Opposition leader, Belden Namah, says this is outrageous, claiming the vehicles should be sold to offset cuts in the budget. “We the Members in Opposition will not accept this vehicle,” Namah stated.
Namah also called on Prime Minister, James Marape, to push for the tabling of the APEC report in Parliament. “I urged the Prime Minister to get those responsible for the report to make it available to Parliament for discussion.”
According to the Finance Secretary, 30 vehicles have been presented to 30 MPs, leaving the balance of 81 vehicles left. However, no names were released publicly. Kandrian Gloucester MP, Joseph Lelang, says the Finance Department must make this clear to the public. “Finance Department should name those MPs so people know,” Lelang stated.
But Minister responsible for APEC then, Justin Tkatchenko, says the delays are with the Finance Department.
According to Dr Ngangen, the decision to issue vehicles to Members of Parliament is by the National Executive Council.
By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
