PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier/PINA)— Pre-election tension spilled over in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament with former Prime Minister Bill Skate lashing at government members.
In raucous scenes in the countdown to campaigning for the June general elections, Skate declared an “all-out war” via the electoral process to see Prime Minister Mekere Morauta ousted from his Moresby North-West seat.
He also told Carol Kidu that he would ensure she lost her Moresby South seat, a move that distressed Kidu who asked the chair to make Skate withdraw his comment.
Skate at the same time questioned Bougainville Affairs Minister Moi Avei’s knighthood and said he had the man to defeat him.
The flare-up was sparked by Morauta’s response to an opposition question about the economic state of Papua New Guinea and its struggling currency, the kina.
Morauta started his response by pointing out the “parlous state of finances” when he took over following Skate’s resignation in July 1999.
Skate became furious.
“You know why this prime minister always speaks (about) Bill Skate? Because he can’t sleep,” yelled Skate.
“I tell you, Papua New Guinea doesn’t believe in you!”
At this point the packed public gallery erupted into applause, spurring Skate on. “We’re going to fight—I’ll fix you,” he screamed at Morauta. “You come over here and I’ll…belt you.”
Outside Parliament, Skate said: “Everything I’ve said on the floor of Parliament I meant from my heart. I’ve declared war on Mekere Morauta. My people have suffered enough at the hands of this man and I will make it my sole duty to campaign vigorously when the time is right to ensure he is not returned through the ballot process.” He added, “The small people cannot afford a decent meal, our roads and infrastructure are at a state of no repair, health services are non-existent and the list goes on all because of this man’s poor management.”
He said the people cannot even afford tinned fish and rice and many live on rice and noodles.
“If he cannot take responsibility for all the problems faced today, then he is not worth remaining as a leader,” said Skate.
Writs for the elections are due to be issued on Thursday, with nominations to contest the 20 provincial and 89 open seats closing a week later.
The voting is on June 15 to 29.
