PM Manele confident amid talk of third motion of no-confidence
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says he is confident his government has the numbers to survive the mounting rumours of a possible third Motion of No Confidence (MONC) against him when Parliament resumes next Monday, October 13.
No notice of motion of no-confidence was filed by close of business yesterday, Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu told Island Sun last night.
Speaking to local media during a media conference yesterday afternoon following his return from his official engagements abroad last week, Prime Minister Manele said he is confident and prepared to face any motion.
“Everybody is claiming numbers. I am confident that I have the numbers.
“You tend to hear a lot of rumours and meetings — that is usual when motions are around. But let me stress, every time a motion is moved, the country is kept in suspense for months, and this sends a bad signal to our people and to investors who depend on stability,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said he respects the right of MPs to move a MONC but warned of its destabilising impact.
“Motions of no confidence without strong basis move the country backwards instead of forward. I am prepared to face any motion, but my duty is to safeguard stability for our people,” he said.
In recent weeks, political tension within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has intensified, with reports of internal cracks and meetings fuelling speculation of another attempt to unseat the Prime Minister.
Over the weekend, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale lashed out at the government’s repeated reshuffles in the Finance Ministry, describing them as “a clear sign of weak and indecisive leadership controlled by outside interests.”
In just three weeks, the controversial sufferance wharves issue has seen GNUT shuffle the powerful Finance portfolio three times — from Harry Kuma to Trevor Manemahaga, and most recently to Rexon Ramofafia.
Mr Wale said the constant reshuffling “is undeniable proof that the Prime Minister is not in control and that powerful outside players are dictating appointments.”
But Prime Minister Manele pushed back strongly, stressing that reshuffles are about maintaining stability, not weakness.
He said while motions of no confidence are a democratic right, their repeated use only holds the country back.
Since assuming office as Prime Minister, Manele has already survived two motions of no confidence — both of which were later withdrawn before it was debated on the floor of Parliament.
The resumption of parliament next week is expected to be closely watched, as speculation grows over political manoeuvring within the ruling coalition and the Opposition ranks.
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