Pangu Pati Leader and Member for Bulolo Sam Basil has crossed over to the government accompanied by 11 members of his Party.
This was officially announced this afternoon at the Parliament House in a press conference led by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
This controversial move made by the Pangu Party Leader comes after the party leader led a strong anti-PNC campaign during the 2017 elections.
“We want the speculation to be put to rest that we have made our decision and we are happy to be joining hands with PNC into running this country into the next five years,” said Mr Basil.
After leading an anti-PNC campaign and multiple Votes-of-No-Confidence against the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Pangu Pati Leader Sam Basil has made a provocative move to join the government.
“Papua New Guinea through the elected Members of Parliament whether PNC or Independent have made their choice to have PNC back to govern the country.
We have done our part in trying to change the government, we do not have the numbers.”
The Member for Bulolo is accompanied by Deputy Party Leader William Samb and 10 other members, who most of them are first time parliamentarians.
The other members who deflected to the government side are; Robert Agarobe (Central Governor), Lekwa Gure (Member for Rigo), Anri Amuli (Member for Sohe), Kennedy Wenge (Nawaeb MP), Konnie Iguan (Markham MP), John Rosso (Lae MP), Thomas Pelika (Menyamya MP), Kobby Bomareo (Tewai-Siassi MP), Chris Yer (Sumkar MP) and Moriape Kavori (Member for Lufa).
Mr Basil said a detailed article will be released in the next few days in the daily newspapers explaining their decision to join government.
“It’s politics. You flip a coin, there’s two sides to it; the government and the opposition, we’re still part of it,” said Pangu Party’s Leader.
He said this move now to join hands with PNC is to implement policies and ensure the 100-day policies by the Treasurer are followed through.
The government has put aside their differences despite personal attacks against each other during the 2017 National General Elections and have welcomed Pangu Pati into government.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the government has acknowledged the party’s policies and will incorporate them in the next five years of their ruling.
Picture source: Samuel H Basil on Facebook
