SIR PETER IPATAS ACCEPTS DEFEAT, THANKS OPPOSITION

Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has accepted the result of yesterday’s Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, who retained leadership with 89 votes to the opposition’s 16.

Speaking after in an opposition’s press conference after Parliament concluded, Sir Peter thanked the Opposition Leader, Deputy, and all members who backed his nomination, saying he accepted the outcome and respected the parliamentary process.

“We always knew this would be the result,” he said.

Ipatas said his entry was never about personal ambition but about presenting a genuine alternative for government MPs who, like many citizens, were concerned about the nation’s direction.

“There are issues confronting us. I accepted the nomination to become an option for change,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that government MPs did not exercise their “free conscience” during the vote, noting that many were reportedly housed in camps in the lead-up to the decision.

“We must make our own conscious decisions on issues that affect the country,” he stressed.

Sir Peter emphasized that the challenges facing PNG, including law and order, high living costs, and lack of effective governance, remain unaddressed.

He called on the Prime Minister to act decisively now that he has 18 months of political space ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also emphasized his long-standing passion for restoring law and order and devolving greater authority to provinces. “There’s been no strategy to address these issues and Governors have been calling for more powers to take ownership of development,” he said.

Addressing the people of PNG, Ipatas acknowledged the support shown through social media and public sentiment calling for change.

In closing, Sir Peter praised the opposition team for their spirit and determination. “This is a very proactive opposition, a mix of experience and young, qualified leaders. If given the chance, they will do the right thing for this country,” he said.

VONC in Parliament ended today with the Government defeating the Opposition by 89 votes to 16

 

By Theodro Psalmson | PNG SUN |

The Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in Parliament ended today with the Government defeating the Opposition by 89 votes to 16.

Despite the result, Opposition leaders remained firm and spoke with pride and determination.

At a press conference held by the Opposition in Parliament, the alternate PM candidate, Sir Peter Ipatas expressed gratitude to the Opposition for welcoming him.

“I thank the Opposition Leaders who stood beside me and accepted me to be part of this side,” he said.

Sir Peter acknowledged the loss, saying, “We accept the decision of Parliament. We were defeated.”

However, he pointed out that the country is not in a good condition and some leaders are ignoring the reality. “I did what I did for the best interest of the people of this country, and so did the members of the Opposition,” he added.

He shared his experience of joining the Opposition for the first time in his political career.

“Being in the Opposition gave me a new meaning of leadership, it is about standing for the pain, cry, and sorrow of our people.” Sir Peter also said he was proud to stand with strong, young, and educated leaders on the Opposition side who he believes will continue to fight for the people in the future.

The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa thanked those who stood firm until the end of the VONC.

“This is not the end. The fight continues. We heard the cry of the people, and we will respond,” he said. He confirmed that the Opposition remains committed to the nation and will continue to work for the people’s good.

“We have appointed shadow ministers who will watch and monitor every action of the Government,” he said. He also thanked Sir Peter Ipatas for his brave leadership and for standing as the Alternative Prime Minister during this time.

Sir Puka Temu, another senior Opposition member, said, “We did not stand for ourselves. We stood and voted on behalf of the people. We did what the people wanted us to do.” He thanked Sir Peter for standing up for the people of the nation.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Lino Tom, Member for Wabag, also praised Sir Peter Ipatas for joining the Opposition and fighting for the nation’s best interest.

“The Opposition members have shown they truly represent the struggles of our people,” he said. He described the Opposition’s stand as a right step in showing real leadership.

Dr. Lino added that from now on, the people can clearly see which leaders truly care about them and which ones do not.

Though the VONC was lost, the spirit of the Opposition remains unshaken.

The message from the Opposition was clear: This is just the beginning of a bigger fight for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC)

 

By WANPIS AKO| PNG SUN|

Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC), calling it a national duty to redirect the country’s leadership and future.

In a media conference moments ago at Crown Hotel in Port Moresby, alternate Prime Minister, Sir Peter Ipatas issued a passionate reminder to all Members of Parliament (MPs) that they hold a sacred mandate from the people. "This is a moment to save our country. Each leader must now decide — do we continue down this path, or do we answer the cry of our citizens?" he said. He stressed that the government in power during the elections remains the same, and only God knows what lies ahead unless urgent action is taken.

Taking the cue from Sir, Peter, Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom described the current political climate as one of national frustration and dissent. "Politics is about making promises and delivering for the people. Unfortunately, too many promises remain unfulfilled. The people are watching, and they are the best judges," he said. Dr. Tom urged leaders to put national interest above tribal or regional loyalties, warning that self-interest is weakening the fabric of the country. "We are at a crossroads. This is a time to objectively assess the government’s performance and make a bold decision."

Hiri-Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu reinforced the legality of the VONC under Section 63 of the Organic Law, stating that the prerogative lies with Parliament. "This is a rare moment to make a big call. Vote with conscience — vote for the future of our nation."

Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, who moved the VONC motion, called it a “national call,” not a personal attack on Prime Minister James Marape. "This is not about the PM’s office but about the direction of our nation. I have spoken to many MPs and citizens — they are calling for change. It’s time to humble ourselves and respond to the national cry."

Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane echoed the urgency, stating bluntly that Prime Minister Marape is not fit to continue leading the country. "This government has failed to deliver. From cash flow problems to broken promises on agriculture and jobs, where have you been in the last six years?" Nomane asked. "In 2027, nothing will change unless we act now. We are leaders, and the people expect us to be brave enough to make the tough decisions."

With the clock ticking toward the VONC, all eyes are now on Parliament as leaders face a defining moment — one that may reshape the future of Papua New Guinea.

Sir Ipatas Has No Confidence In PM Marape

 In a recent development, Papua New Guinea's ENGA Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, has signaled the possibility of a motion of no confidence on the horizon. The core issue leading to his departure from the government of Peter O’Neill seems to have resurfaced in the administration of Prime Minister James Marape.

Sir Peter identified the recurring concern as one of law and order, emphasizing that every Member of Parliament (MP) will play a pivotal role in determining the fate of the current prime minister or selecting a new leader when the motion of a vote of no confidence is presented on the floor of the Parliament.

Stressing the importance of evaluating Prime Minister James Marape's leadership over the past four years, Sir Peter remarked, “Each individual MP can look at his leadership, the things he has done or not done in the four years and decide. Each of the MPs has that right to make the decision whether to keep him in office or replace him."

Sir Peter, a seasoned politician with a political journey dating back to the early 1980s, highlighted his persistent concern for security, particularly law and order, spanning eight years. He advocated for the involvement of foreign police with immunity to address the ongoing law and order issues in the country.

Expressing his disappointment with the government's approach, Sir Peter pointed out that despite his calls for decisive actions, such as engaging the Australian Federal Police, the government has resorted to declaring states of emergency, yielding minimal impact. He cited the prevalence of tribal conflicts in his province, resulting in loss of lives and businesses, and emphasized the government's responsibility to create a safe environment for its citizens.

Sir Peter criticized the government's emphasis on anti-corruption measures, such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), asserting that without efficient policing, these efforts would be futile. He underscored the need to prioritize fixing the policing system as a fundamental step towards addressing broader issues in the country.

In reflecting on his past departure from the O’Neill government in 2019 due to similar concerns, Sir Peter maintained that his calls for foreign troops to address law and order challenges have fallen on deaf ears in the current government. He lamented the lack of respect and attention given to his proposals as a senior member of the government.

 Sir Peter asserted that if a motion for a vote of no confidence is introduced in Parliament, each MP, as an individual, will play a crucial role in making the decision that aligns with their convictions and concerns. The looming motion adds an element of uncertainty to the political landscape of Papua New Guinea.

Source: PNG Facts