11 Aug 2014

Duma back in PNG cabinet

5:40 pm on 11 August 2014

The Mt Hagen MP William Duma has been appointed back into Papua New Guinea's National Executive Council amid a cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Duma, who was sacked earlier this year from the influential Petroleum and Energy portfolio, has been made the new Minister for Transport.

The Prime Minister Peter O'Neill earlier sidelined Mr Duma, who leads the United Resources Party, for allegedly causing instability within his coalition government.

However, Mr O'Neill has praised Mr Duma for his ongoing support for the coalition despite their differences.

The appointment once again fulfills the coalition agreement provision that the URP is entitled to three ministries.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Transport Minister, Malakai Tabar, will be the new Minister for Higher Education, replacing Delilah Gore who succeeds Loujaya Kouza as the Minister for Community Development.

Ms Kouza is stepping down to take up the chairmanship of the new Lae City Commission.