PNG Prime Minister Dismisses Cabinet Reshuffle Rumors

Peter O'Neill, the Papua New Guinea prime minister says no truth to rumors of a Cabinet reshuffle that has gone viral on social media. The rumors highlighted Charles Abel being replaced by Sam Basil as Deputy Prime Minister whilst Abel designated to Finance and Treasury portfolio.

According to Cabinet sources, the Prime Minister never made any announcement or gave indication for changes in his Cabinet. As such, the rumors created confusion in the senior ministers. Some even got calls and texts from the electorates to confirm the speculations. However, sources say the only discussion was the situation in Milne Bay where the Governor had been sick for some time and there were talks that Justice Minister and Attorney General Davis Steven may take over as governor. This implied that the minister would resign from his ministerial position, creating a vacancy that would definitely need to be filled.

The Finance Minister Marape took to social media saying nothing has happened yet. "I am elected into an elected office with three more years to go for this term. The PM has met me for work matters but look, he has the prerogative to decide the structure of the government. As an elected MP, being a minister is not only a job to hold, you can be backbencher, vice minister, you can be committee chairman or either shadow minister or any other position, both in opposition or in government."