The interim chairperson of the Pacific Freedom Forum says people in Papua New Guinea are happy that Sir Michael Somare has stepped aside as prime minister.
The recently-appointed deputy prime minister, Sam Abal, has assumed the full function and responsibility of the office of prime minister, following Sir Michael's departure several days ago in order to face a leadership tribunal over allegations of misconduct in office.
Susuve Laumaea, who's based in Port Moresby, says people feel it's the first time something very positive has happened to try to bring corruption and leadership misconduct into focus.
"So that anything that's perceived to be not right conduct for leaders, people should now push for other measures to be taken, such as investigation, such as leaders voluntarily resigning, you know, those are things that must now come into play. It happens everywhere else except Papua New Guinea."
The interim chairperson of the Pacific Freedom Forum, Susuve Laumaea.
