By Theodro Psalmson | PNG SUN |
Despite the result, Opposition leaders remained firm and spoke with pride and determination.
At a press conference held by the Opposition in Parliament, the alternate PM candidate, Sir Peter Ipatas expressed gratitude to the Opposition for welcoming him.
“I thank the Opposition Leaders who stood beside me and accepted me to be part of this side,” he said.
Sir Peter acknowledged the loss, saying, “We accept the decision of Parliament. We were defeated.”
However, he pointed out that the country is not in a good condition and some leaders are ignoring the reality. “I did what I did for the best interest of the people of this country, and so did the members of the Opposition,” he added.
He shared his experience of joining the Opposition for the first time in his political career.
“Being in the Opposition gave me a new meaning of leadership, it is about standing for the pain, cry, and sorrow of our people.” Sir Peter also said he was proud to stand with strong, young, and educated leaders on the Opposition side who he believes will continue to fight for the people in the future.
The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa thanked those who stood firm until the end of the VONC.
“This is not the end. The fight continues. We heard the cry of the people, and we will respond,” he said. He confirmed that the Opposition remains committed to the nation and will continue to work for the people’s good.
“We have appointed shadow ministers who will watch and monitor every action of the Government,” he said. He also thanked Sir Peter Ipatas for his brave leadership and for standing as the Alternative Prime Minister during this time.
Sir Puka Temu, another senior Opposition member, said, “We did not stand for ourselves. We stood and voted on behalf of the people. We did what the people wanted us to do.” He thanked Sir Peter for standing up for the people of the nation.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Lino Tom, Member for Wabag, also praised Sir Peter Ipatas for joining the Opposition and fighting for the nation’s best interest.
“The Opposition members have shown they truly represent the struggles of our people,” he said. He described the Opposition’s stand as a right step in showing real leadership.
Dr. Lino added that from now on, the people can clearly see which leaders truly care about them and which ones do not.
Though the VONC was lost, the spirit of the Opposition remains unshaken.
The message from the Opposition was clear: This is just the beginning of a bigger fight for the people of Papua New Guinea.
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