03-10-2014, 08:13 PM
POLYE REMOVED FOR CAUSING INSTABILITY, MAIPAKAI REMOVED DUE TO COURT CASE
(Breaking News)
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill today announced the removal of Don Polye as Minister for Treasury and Mark Maipakai as Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations.
The removal of Don Polye, the leader of the Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party came as result of him causing instability in the Government.
Mr Polye’s conduct as Minister for Treasury and as a senior partner in the Government has been an ongoing concern for the Government.
He occupies one of the key positions in the Government, dealing directly with financial and economic management issues of the country; and as such, his conduct has a direct impact on the stability and confidence of the Government.
“The sacking of Polye has been done in the best interest of the Government and the country and this does not however affect the THE Party. The THE Party remains an integral member of this government”, Prime Minister O’Neill said.
In any Westminster system of Government, all members including Ministers in the Government are expected to work together cohesively to develop and implement Government policies.
PNG is no different. By working together as a Government, the public – including the international community’s confidence is achieved - which is a vital ingredient for our country’s development aspirations.
Since coming into Office after the 2012 general elections, this Government has introduced a lot of innovative policies, that are aimed at improving the quality of life for our people – and any lack of solidarity dissents amongst our coalition partners or individuals including Ministers will defeat the stability, trust and confidence of our people and investors.
“I am not going to risk the economic opportunities for the people by allowing conducts of a few to derail the stability of this Government and its policies – which is why I have decided to make this decision”, said Mr O’Neill.
It wasn’t an easy decision but it was done for the good of our country. After consulting leaders in the Government, I have decided to decommission Mr Polye as Minister for Treasury.
As regards to the decommissioning of Mark Maipakai, as Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, it was done to preserve the integrity and public confidence of the Government after he was arrested and charged by Police – a case which is now before the National Court.
As with regards to the Ministerial responsibilities; the Prime Minister will assumed the Ministry of Treasury and Deputy Prime Minister, Grand Chief Leo Dion will hold the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations until permanent appointments are made after consultations with other coalition leaders.
