United Resource Party slams manner in which Duma was sacked

THE United Resource Party has expressed disappointment over the manner their parliamentary leader and Minister for Petroleum and Energy William Duma was sacked, The National reports.

Deputy leader and Eastern Highlands Governor Malcolm Kela-Smith, in a media conference with Duma and Dei MP Puri Ruing expressed disappointment over the method of communication by acting Prime Minister Sam Abal.

“We feel there is lack of professionalism,” Kela-Smith said.

Duma said he had yet to receive any formal letter of dismissal from Abal and he only learnt of his sacking in the media.

He said the URP had been meeting since Monday and the party had not made a formal decision on its position on the sacking.

“We do not know whether the removal of the party leader also means the party is also expelled from government.

“As the leader of the second largest coalition party in government, I have not been informed of my removal. I learnt it in the media and I feel disappointed.”

Duma said URP had a special relationship with Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and had been very loyal since 2002 and URP was also a signatory to the Warangoi Accord to form government.

Duma also said his people and supporters in Mt Hagen were also disappointed over the sacking.

He said the media speculations that the petroleum and energy portfolio would go to another URP member was not true as it was the prerogative of the prime minister to make appointments.

“Not one single party has the right to claim a ministerial portfolio,” Duma said.