18 Nov 2014

Polye joins PNG opposition

9:48 pm on 18 November 2014

Papua New Guinea's former Treasurer Don Polye has officially joined the opposition, bringing three government MPs across with him.

The four MPs represent the remaining core of the Triumph Heritage and Empowerment party which emerged from the 2012 election as PNG's second biggest party.

The party has struggled to keep its numbers amid fallout from Don Polye's sacking as Treasurer by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in March.

Mr Polye has been a vocal critic of Mr O'Neill's since the sacking but had lingered in the middle benches for several months before committing to the opposition.

The Kandep MP confirmed his move at a news conference with opposition leader, Belden Namah and his deputy Sam Basil.

The other THE members joining are Raicoast MP James Gau, Kikori MP Mark Maipakai, and Laigap Porgera's Nixon Maigape.

The Opposition now has seven MPs, while the People's National Congress-led government has around 90 percent of PNG's 111 MPs.

The leader of Papua New Guinea's Triumph Heritage and Empowerment party, Don Polye.

The leader of Papua New Guinea's Triumph Heritage and Empowerment party, Don Polye. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

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