Sir Puka calls for unity & discipline in 2026

 

Staff Reporter

• 02/01/2026

Member for Abau and senior leader in the Opposition, Sir Puka Temu has called on all leaders at every level to reflect deeply on their responsibilities, and on citizens to remain united, disciplined and engaged.

“Our future depends on whether we are prepared to confront hard truths, make necessary reforms and work together in the national interest. Let this year mark a renewed commitment to humility, unity and meaningful action for the good of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“The Government now has a clear path of uninterrupted leadership until 2027. With political stability comes a rare opportunity.
“This is the moment to pause and ask an important question: what legacy will an eight-year tenure leave behind?” Sir Puka asked.

He said history will not remember slogans or intentions, but the lived experiences of citizens—whether life became safer, healthier, fairer and more hopeful under this leadership.

“Papua New Guineans are growing tired of lip service and sickening rhetoric. What they want is honesty, consistency and results.

“This is a time for tough decisions, not comfortable ones; for leadership driven by courage, not convenience; and for policies guided by a genuine heart for the people rather than short-term political survival.

PNG facing real hardships, says Sir Puka

 

Staff Reporter

• 02/01/2026

Member for Abau and a long-serving leader in PNG, Sir Puka Temu has claimed that PNG is entering the new year 2026, under the weight of real and persistent hardship.

He said for many families, daily life has become more difficult than at any time in recent memory.

“Rising living costs, insecurity in our communities, unreliable services and limited employment opportunities have forced ordinary citizens to rely increasingly on their own resilience.

“In these tough times, people are doing what they must to survive—taking care of themselves, supporting extended families and leaning on community networks where government presence is often absent.

“As a long-serving leader of this country, I make these remarks with great humility. I have witnessed periods of hope and growth, as well as moments of deep frustration and missed opportunity. I speak not to inflame division or score political points, but out of genuine concern for our people and for the future direction of our nation.

“At the core of national stability lies the family. Strong families create disciplined children, responsible citizens and cohesive communities,” he said.

Sir Puka reiterated that when families are united, communities are safer, social values are upheld and national unity is strengthened.
He said in a time when institutions are under strain, the family remains the strongest defence against social breakdown, and it must be protected and supported through policy, education and community leadership.

“Yet resilience and family unity alone cannot solve the challenges before us. There must be stronger and more vocal advocacy against the rising levels of lawlessness that continue to terrorise communities. Our health system is struggling, leaving vulnerable citizens without proper care. Education standards are declining, threatening the future of our children.

“At the same time, very low income levels and a lack of job opportunities are robbing young people of hope and dignity. These are no longer isolated problems—they are national emergencies that require decisive and coordinated action.”

He said Government priorities must be realigned with law and order, health, education, agriculture and manufacturing taking the centre of national planning.

“These sectors are not abstract policy areas; they directly determine whether our people can live safely, stay healthy, gain skills and earn a decent living. Agriculture and manufacturing in particular hold the key to job creation, food security and economic self-reliance, yet they continue to be underdeveloped and undervalued.”

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.