A newly elected MP in Papua New Guinea says attempts by some political parties to poach elected members of rival parties are a slap in the face for voters.
The member-elect for Kiriwina-Goodenough Open, Douglas Tomuriesa, says his party, the Triumph Heritage Empowerment party doesn't expect to lose more MPs after one of its new MPs was poached.
Although officially still under the THE party banner until after the new government is formed, the new Governor of West Sepik province Akmat Mai announced he was defecting to the PNG Party of Belden Namah.
Mr Tomuriesa says although the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates allows freedom of movement by MPs, Mr Mai's move is unethical.
"But the behaviour of certain MPS like Belden Namah is not good because the people have spoken and Peter O'Neill is the party with the biggest number and they're supposed to be invited to form government. And that is the reason why the THE party is part of the coalition."
