PROPOSED AMENDMENT ON SECTION 145 DEBATED IN PARLIAMENT
THE proposed amendment Bill of Section 145 of the Constitution has drawn a heavy debate from both sides of the floor of parliament yesterday, with the first reading of the Bill and show of votes of 79 MPs in support and 14 against.
The proposed amendment was read and tabled in parliament today by Attorney General and Justice Minister Pila Nining.
The amendment of Section 145 of the Constitution on the Motion of no confidence on Prime Minister, will include a new Sub Section 5.
Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa backed by his Deputy James Nomane, and other senior leaders in the opposition in the likes of Sine Sine Yongomul MP Kerenga Kua and East Sepik Governor Allan, Hiri Koari MP
Keith Iduhu were all against the alteration of Section 145 of the Constitution questioning if the amendment of the law was for the interest of the people of this country and not for personal interest.
Opposition states the Government has done a lot of amendment to the Constitution and today is a sad day for the democracy of governance.
Only female MP who was against the amendment was Central governor Rufina Peter, stating the tabling of the amendment was in an appropriate time.
In support of the amendment, OUR Party leader Reinbo Paita, who recently -rejoined the government after defecting Pangu Party earlier, stated his 14 members were all in support of the Bill, as his party sees it will bring stability to the government.
Meanwhile Prime Minister James Marape, however, clarified to the floor and assured the Opposition that Section 145’s provision of the 18 months grace period will not be removed.
The proposed law to alter the constitution and for related purposes to be read and voted for the second time in the next 2 months.
Picture Caption: Attorney General Pila Niningi reading the proposed amendment in parliament today.