The Opposition side walked out the Parliament Chamber and didn’t want to vote for the Appropriation Bill, in protest over claims that there were massive errors.
It was claimed there were two separate figures read, which are K21 billion and K12.9 billion.
Furthermore, it was claimed the government bulldozed the budget using its numerical strength which was indeed not a bill, as the figures do not correspond.
“The appropriation bill reads, as over K21 billion kina signed by the first legislative council whilst the treasurer’s speech contained the figure to be K12.9 billion,”
Opposition Leader, Don Polye claimed the Government was misleading the nation with these different figures and was contradictory.
Later in conference this evening, Opposition Leader, Don Polye said there was a major error and they will challenge this in court, to stop the government from implementing the budget, that it is defective and misleading.
“The government had committed a fraud and I call on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Treasurer, Patrick Pruaitch, Finance Minister James Marape and Planning Minister, Charles Abel to resign immediately,” said Mr Polye.
In a separate statement received by EMTV News tonight, Vanimo Green MP, Belden Namah called on the fraud squad to immediately arrest the Secretaries of Finance, Treasury and the National Planning for a blatant error.
“Those members of Parliament who participated in the passage of the budget have also committed a fraud,” said Mr Namah.
Former Attorney General, Kerenga Kua also said that there was no bill on the floor for passage as the figures were misleading and the government had committed a major fraud against the people of PNG.
Kavieng MP, Ben Micah described the whole issue as the saddest day in the history of the country while Goroka MP, Bire Kimisopa said that the budget lacked integrity, affordability and sustainability.
However Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill said that there was no error, as the Opposition failed to read the correct figures.
Parliament has been adjourned to Tuesday January 24 next year.
EMTV News will provide more updates.
