Sacked Government Minister, Mr Lambakey Okuk (Chimbu), yesterday blocked six Bills and forced the Government to adjourn Parliament 24 hours early.
Despite a plea for co-operation by the Prime Minister, Mr Somare, Mr Okuk would not let the Government proceed with the Bills, which relate to Papua New Guinea’s offshore rights.
Unless the Bills are passed before the Torres Strait border talks are resolved, the Government will be faced with complex problems of overlapping jurisdiction.
On five occasions, Mr Okuk refused the Government leave to proceed with the Bills, and finally, Mr Somare sought an adjournment until 10 am tomorrow, when Mr Buaki Singeri (Kabwum) ignored the chair and continually interjected.
Parliament sat for only 15 minutes in the afternoon.
When the meeting resumed at 2 pm, the Deputy Speaker, Mr John Kaputin (Rabaul), adjourned Parliament twice as there was no quorum.
Mr Okuk said the Government was trying to bulldoze legislation through Parliament as the elections were approaching and it wanted to commit the new Government to its policies.
He said the Bills should be left until the new Parliament.
Although most Members in Parliament supported Mr Somare, the number fell short of the absolute majority vote of 52, which Mr Somare required to suspend Standing Orders and proceed with the six Bills.
Country Party members Mr Singeri (Kabwum), Mr Sinake Giregire (Daulo), Mr Michael Pondros (Manus Regional, Mr John Pokia (Okapa); Opposition frontbenchers Mr Raphael Doa (Western Highlands), Mr Anton Parao (Enga); Mr Gideon Apeng (Huon Gulf), Mr Brere Awol (West Sepik); and the Papua movement leaders, Miss Josephine Abaijah (National Capital Distriet), and Mr James Mopio (Central) voted with Mr Okuk and his National Party colleagues Mr John Kaupa (Chuave) and Mr Onamauta Beibe (Obura).
The’ Bill to change the financial year to a calendar year was passed on the voices and debate on the Organic Law on national elections was adjourned.
