PNG's Middle Fly MP quits PRP to join Pangu-led Government

Middle Fly MP Maso Hewabi has walked away from the People's Reform Party (PRP) to throw his support behind the Pangu-led Government, in a move officially confirmed by his former party and adding to the shifting numbers inside PNG's Parliament less than a year out from the next election cycle.

PRP founder and deputy parliamentary leader James Donald confirmed Hewabi's exit in a statement released this week, saying the decision came after discussions with parliamentary leader and East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, and was later endorsed by the party's National Executive.

 PNG's Middle Fly MP quits PRP to join Pangu-led Government/Parliament photo

Hewabi had been one of only three MPs holding up PRP's parliamentary wing, standing alongside Bird and Donald since the party's formation.

Donald explained that Hewabi's switch was rooted in his need to protect unity among his own people, pointing to the MP's close family and tribal connections to Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto as the driving factor behind the resignation.

He said the party chose not to stand in Hewabi's way, opting instead to preserve peace within the MP's tribe.

Despite losing a third of its parliamentary strength, Donald insisted PRP had no plans of slowing down, telling supporters the party remains locked in on building momentum toward the 2027 National General Election and its push for what it calls a fresh political direction for the country.

The resignation is the latest in a string of moves by MPs recalibrating their alliances as PNG edges closer to the final stretch of the current term of Parliament.

Donald had this to say of his departing colleague: "We thank Hon. Hewabi for his dedication during his time with the PRP and wish him well in the next chapter of his political journey."

The party closed its statement with its rallying cry: "Niupela Rot! Niupela PNG!"