17 Jun 2014

PNG opposition MP opposes constitutional change

9:24 am on 17 June 2014

There's been more concern voiced in Papua New Guinea over proposed constitutional amendments relating to the position of prime minister and motions of no-confidence.

One of the amendments extends the minimum notice period for a motion from one month to three and increases the minimum support for the motion by 21 to 37 MPs.

Last year MPs extended the grace period for such motions to thirty months after an election, in addition to the twelve month period before an election.

The deputy opposition leader, Sam Basil, says it seems like the government of Peter O'Neill is removing checks and balances on its performance.

"I believe that the MPs that have supported it, I think most MPs are now worried about the DSIP (District Services Improvement Programme) funds. It's all about money, it's all about what they can lay their hands on. That's what is ruling the minds of politicians in Papua New Guinea."

The deputy opposition leader, Sam Basil

Meanwhile, a Supreme Court challenge to the extension of the grace period is still pending.