27 Nov 2014

Vanuatu opposition leader's loan claims disputed

7:03 pm on 27 November 2014

Vanuatu's Internal Affairs Minister has disputed claims that MPs have been borrowing from a fund provided by the opposition leader Moana Carcasses.

Charlot Salwai's comment comes after parliament suspended 16 opposition MPs for allegedly contravening the Leadership Code by accepting money from Mr Carcasses.

Mr Carcasses has been lobbying support for a motion to topple the Joe Natuman-led government.

He admits he deposited as much as 10,000 US dollars into bank accounts of various MPs, including some government backbenchers, but says that it was as a loan.

Moana Carcasses Kalosil

Moana Carcasses Kalosil Photo: RNZI

However, Mr Salwai says they weren't genuine loans and Moana Carcasses is not operating a bank.

"He offered a loan and at the same time he's asking in return their support for his motion to become Prime Minister. So it is not a loan. If I want a loan, I can approach a bank but the one who is asking... in this case, most of the members didn't ask Mr Moana."

Charlot Salwai