1 Sep 2014

PNG MP calls for probe into opposition 'decimation'

1:36 pm on 1 September 2014

A member of the Papua New Guinea parliament has called for an inter-departmental committee to investigate the decimation of the parliamentary opposition.

During a grievance debate in parliament , Kerenga Kua warned of the dangers of not allowing for voices of dissent in PNG's democracy.

He describes the depletion of opposition MPs to just three in the 111-seat house as a national concern.

"Is it because of the personality of the leader of the opposition? Is it because of the inability of the members of opposition to work together as a team? Or is it because the DSIP [District Service Improvement Fund] is operated and disbursed with the opposition being penalised? What is it, we need to know. All of us have a vested interest to remain in government, but we also need an opposition because the system requires it."

The MP for Sinesine-Yongomul, Kerenga Kua.

However, the Governor of the National Capital, Powes Parkop, told the house that the government allows for scrutiny within on the National Executive Council.

He said Israel is an example of a country with a functioning democracy where there is no opposition as such to government.

The front facade of Papua New Guinea's parliament featuring recently removed anthropomorphic carved heads on the front lintel.

The front facade of Papua New Guinea's parliament featuring recently removed anthropomorphic carved heads on the front lintel. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades