PNG Parliament Speaker Pomat recalls Urgent Parliamentary Sitting on Supreme Court Order

Papua New Guinea Opposition lawyer Paul Mawa has cautioned that Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat could face civil and criminal consequences if he fails to comply with a Supreme Court order handed down on 31st March 2025. The warning was issued today after Mawa submitted a formal letter to the Office of the Speaker on behalf of Deputy Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa.

In the letter, Mawa urged the Speaker to recall Parliament on 8th April 2025 and begin the process of tabling the Motion of No Confidence, in accordance with Section 145 of the PNG Constitution. He explained that the motion should be placed on the Notice Paper when the House reconvenes and not necessarily voted on immediately. The required one-week notice period would then allow Members of Parliament to prepare for debate and a vote on 15th April.

Mawa emphasized that this process was not followed when the motion was first introduced on 27th November 2024 and rejected by the Private Business Committee. He said the Speaker must now ensure that proper constitutional procedures are observed in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

The Opposition’s original motion, which nominated Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas as the alternative Prime Minister, is expected to be the same one tabled next Tuesday. Mawa insisted that the Speaker should direct the Clerk to list the motion accordingly before Parliament is adjourned to resume a week later.

Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat

An officer from the Speaker’s Office confirmed that Speaker Pomat is currently in his Manus electorate and is unavailable to comment on the matter at this time.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has called for national calm and reaffirmed his Government’s respect for the rule of law. Speaking ahead of next Tuesday’s sitting, Marape assured the public that the Pangu-led coalition would not interfere with the court process. “We welcome the court’s oversight and scrutiny. This Government will not tamper with any court process. We respect the judiciary to the fullest and will comply with all legal requirements,” Marape said.

 

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PNG Parliament Speaker Pomat recalls Urgent Parliamentary Sitting on Supreme Court Order