A former member of the opposition Sam Basil has been appointed Papua New Guinea's Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Energy.
(From left:) Politicians Sam Basil, Kobby Bomareo, Mao Zeming and john Rosso at PNG's Government House for Mr Basil's swearing-in as a minister. Photo: Pangu Pati
Mr Basil's Pangu Pati last month defected to the Peter O'Neill-led coalition government. Pangu's controversial defection came after Sam Basil campaigned vehemently against Mr O'Neill in the recent election. Now the Bulolo MP has been rewarded with a ministry.
Even though four Pangu MPs remain in opposition, the party is still the second biggest group in the coalition government after Mr O'Neill's People's National Congress. But with just one minister out of 12 of its MPs in government, Pangu has less than other, smaller parties who committed to Mr O'Neill earlier.
The prime minister said Mr Basil was an ideal person to oversee the energy and communications sectors which he says are crucial for growing a modern economy.
"There are clear synergies between the energy and communications sectors brought about by technological advances that are enabling Papua New Guinea to deliver positive change not only in urban areas, but also in rural and remote areas."
"I have great confidence in the minister's capacity to meet both the challenges and opportunities that our country faces in these areas," said the prime minister of Sam Basil.
However appointing him involved prising portfolios from others, a sensitive job for Mr O'Neill as he tries to balance the various interests of a patchwork coalition.
In taking on the Communications & Information Technology portfolio, Mr Basil replaced the independent MP Francis Maneke who the prime minister praised Mr Maneke for standing aside to accommodate the Pangu leader.
Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
"Ours is a Coalition Government in which we must have representation in the Cabinet for all partners in the Government," said Mr O'Neill in a statement.
"There is a set number of Cabinet positions available, and I thank the Honourable Member, Francis Maneke, for placing the interests of the Government and the Nation above all else."
It's understood Fabian Pok reluctantly let go of the Energy portfolio, a ministry which his United Resources Party has kept a close hold on at various points in recent years.
Any lingering disaffection over the reshuffle could be politically damaging for Mr O'Neill who lost some ground in the 2017 election, despite emerging again as prime minister.