A member of Papua New Guinea's opposition says MPs don't have to be in government to achieve things in their electorates.
Three MPs crossed the floor to join the government last week, claiming they were doing so to secure funding for their constituents.
The Governor of East Sepik province, Allan Bird, says there's a perception among some MPs that in order to deliver projects they need to be in government.
"I think that gives members of parliament the impression that, well, if you're in government you get preferential treatment. But I would suspect that by and large it doesn't happen. I mean, members of parliament receive development funds directly, which they are in control of, to the tune of approximately ten million kina a year," said Allan Bird.
Mr Bird said all electorates are entitled to public funds and that it's up to MPs to use them wisely.
Papua New Guinea's parliament. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
The governor said although he was not in government, he has managed to use the funds to improve the public service in his province.
He said defecting MPs had to offer valid justification for joining the government.
"Some members of parliament probably have decided themselves that there's a lot more things they want to do in their electorate, and they probably think that by joining government they can get those things. That still remains to be seen."
Mr Bird said he felt too many MPs used district development funds as free handouts.
According to him, handouts were harmful to the development of grassroots communities and the country as a whole.
"I don't practice free handouts in my province, and we've been diong quite well.
"Prior to my taking over as governor, we were ranked out of 22 provinces, we were ranked in the bottom four (for public service performance). Our ranking has since changed, we are now in the top five, and we've achieved that in less than twelve months."
