PNG government MP backs no confidence move

10:53 am on 7 June 2016

An MP of Papua New Guinea's ruling coalition, Ken Fairweather, has signed for the vote of no-confidence against the prime minister Peter O'Neill.

Mr Fairweather, who is a member of the People's Progress Party, told the Post Courier newspaper that he signed up not because Mr O'Neill was a bad leader, but because he was protesting against the state of the economy.

Mr Fairweather said the economy had been mismanaged, claiming he knew this because his business was severely affected by the current global economic downturn.

He said there were still ways to address this but the government was not controlling its spending and expenditure while there was too much borrowing.

Mr Fairweather said he was disgusted with government, including his party leader Ben Micah.

Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill still commands a strong majority support in the parliament.

Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill still commands a strong majority support in the parliament. Photo: EMTV