Pacific News In Brief For 13 May
A round-up of news from around the region, including calls for compulsory Mori language education alongside English in the Cook Islands.
Papua New Guinea – politics
The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court has been asked by the opposition to review the decision by parliament to change the law on votes of no confidence.
In March, James Marape's government pushed through a constitutional amendment, introducing an 18-month grace period after any unsuccessful vote of no confidence against a sitting prime minister.
The amendment, passed with a 81-4 vote, was hailed by Marape as a crucial step towards fostering political stability.
Critics have said removing opportunities for votes of no confidence undermines the country's democracy.
Political scientist Michael Kabuni called the availability of the vote a 'safety valve' that can ease political tension in PNG.
The court will hear the application on 22 May.
Papua New Guinea – weapons
People in Enga Province have been warned that security force officers will arrest and charge anyone carrying offensive weapons in public places.
Provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa told local media people carrying bush knives, axes, knives, any sharp objects, guns, bullets and cartridges will be arrested and charged.
He said he has told all of his police officers and security officers to confiscate such weapons and not entertain any excuses.
Yakasa said people are being slashed in a matter of seconds in public places, which leads to further uprising in communities with tribal fights.
Fiji – constitution
The Fiji Cabinet has agreed to seek an opinion from the Supreme Court over the amendment provisions of the 2013 constitution.
The coalition government said it is looking for clarification around the interpretation and application of the amendment provisions.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's administration failed in its bid to win enough support in parliament to amend the document.
Rabuka could not get the 75 percent support needed to amend the constitution during the Constitutional Amendment Bill's second reading.
The government has now hired Australian barrister Bret Walker to provide legal representation in the court.
Solomon Islands – politics
Two new ministers have been sworn in at Government House in Solomon Islands.
The pair fill the last of the portfolios left vacant after a mass resignation that sparked a brief period of political uncertainty.
A motion of no confidence against prime minister Jeremiah Manele was ultimately withdrawn.
Government House has confirmed to RNZ Pacific the two new ministers are Bradley Tovosia taking up the Fisheries and Marine Resources portfolio, and John Tuhaika Jr, who is minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.
Prior to all of the floor-crossing, Tovosia had been deputy prime minister and minister of mines.
Cook Islands – language
Cook Islands traditional leaders are calling for compulsory Māori language education alongside English.
The House fo Ariki made the request during an education conference on Rarotonga, where they also asked for tradititional knowledge to be more widely taught.
High chief Tou Travel Ariki said for the first time the house of Ariki has collectively articulated their vision for an inclusive education system that places language and culture at its core.
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