PDM 4 yoyos back to government

FOUR People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) members of parliament, who jumped ship to the opposition during the recent political horse-trading amid a looming vote of no-confidence on the prime minister, have returned to the government fold, The National reports.

The four included deputy party leader and Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito, member for Telefomin Peter Iwei, Jimmy Miringtoro (Central Bouginville) and Jack Cameroon (Kiriwina-Goodenough).

However, Cameroon was away in his electorate and could not confirm if he had also returned to government.

PDM parliamentary leader and Higher Education Minister Michael Ogio told reporters yesterday that the four were neither terminated nor were they part of the opposition.

He said what transpired resulted from a National Alliance party split that caused them to move with the splintered group to the March Girls Resort camp.

The move by the PDM four brings to 10 the total number of “rebel” MPs who have moved back to rejoin the National Alliance-led coalition. Six Southern region NA MPs, who had defected to the opposition, also rejoined government early this week.

The NA rebellious six included David Arore (Ijivitari), Andrew Mald (Moresby Northeast), Alphonse Moroi (Central Governor), Mathew Poia (Goilala) and Pitom Bombom (Gulf Governor). South Fly MP Sali Subam was named but had not confirmed.

“We want to tell the government and the prime minister that the four MPs are still part of the coalition according to the Warangoi Accord,” Ogio said.

“I will stand and PDM will still remain with the grand chief for stability.

“I want him to leave with dignity when he retires from politics.”

Boito claimed that the four of them were misled by the NA faction and would apologise to the prime minister for what had happened.

He also attributed their move to the opposition to the slowness of certain vital issues not being addressed, citing the disbursement of public investment programme funds as an example.