30 Jul 2014

Vanuatu PM unfazed by planned motion

6:43 am on 30 July 2014

The Vanuatu Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, says he is not concerned about a planned motion of no confidence against him but if any government MPs are backing one, they will be sacked.

Three MPs were dropped from the government coalition for backing a planned vote of no confidence organised by the opposition leader, Moana Carcasses, which failed because it lacked the numbers.

The three MPs cut from the coalition are Marcellino Pipite, Samson Samsen and Tony Nari.

Mr Natuman says he had to take action.

"I had to bring back discipline. If members of the current government are going to the opposition and trying to get other members of government to sign motions, I'll just sack them. It's as simple as that. And that's what happened."

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman

Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman Photo: Supplied

Joe Natuman would not comment on reports Mr Carcasses has been offering financial incentives to MPs to sign the motion.

He says parliament will next meet on Thursday to discuss the supplementary budget and a plan for major airport developments.