Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has responded firmly to claims made by Ialibu-Pangia MP and former Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill regarding the ongoing Opposition leadership dispute, saying the matter is entirely the concern of the Opposition and the Office of the Speaker, and not the business of the Government.
Prime Minister Marape said that the Government has no influence over the internal affairs of the Opposition, nor does it seek to interfere in how the Speaker of Parliament interprets Standing Orders or discharges his Constitutional duties.
“The decision by the Speaker on the Opposition leadership matter is not our doing,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The Speaker has rightly asked the Opposition to sort themselves out and present a clear and unified position. So why is Mr. Peter O’Neill worried about this?”
The Prime Minister was responding to a public statement by Hon. O’Neill today in which he criticised Speaker Hon. Job Pomat, blaming him for the delay and confusion over who is officially recognised as Leader or Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
“This is clearly a case of internal instability within the Opposition. The Speaker’s role is to uphold Parliamentary process. He has asked the Members of the Opposition to come back with clarity and consensus. That is not an unreasonable or political request — that is procedure,” PM Marape said.
Marape reminded the former Prime Minister that political leadership is earned through discipline, unity and legitimacy — not by blaming others for disarray.
“It is ironic that someone who once led the country would now attempt to blame the Speaker of Parliament, an independent office holder, for the internal leadership crisis within the Opposition,” he said.
“The Speaker is not a judge of their political disputes. He merely facilitates what is procedurally and legally correct.”
Prime Minister Marape also urged the Opposition to respect the separation of powers and allow the Speaker to carry out his role without intimidation or politicisation.
“The integrity of Parliament must be maintained. When the Opposition cannot even agree among themselves on who their leader is, it is not for the Government or the Speaker to pick a leader for them. They must demonstrate maturity and resolve this internally,” he said.
He also pointed out that Government has continued to function with stability and cohesion while the Opposition remains fragmented and in disarray.
“The people of Papua New Guinea are watching. We are focused on delivering services and preparing for the 50th Independence celebrations. Meanwhile, the Opposition is busy fighting itself and blaming others for their confusion,” PM Marape said.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Marape called on Hon. Peter O’Neill and other Opposition Members to focus on serving the country instead of politicising the role of the Speaker or dragging independent offices into their leadership battles.
“The Opposition needs to get its house in order. The Speaker has no business appointing their leader — that is their job. The Government is not involved in this issue. Let us move forward and focus on the real work of serving our people,” he said.