PNG no confidence motion rejected

A motion of no confidence submitted against the Papua New Guinea government has been rejected.

In parliament this afternoon, the acting speaker, Aide Ganasi, rejected the motion and instead allowed a motion of confidence in the prime minister, Peter O'Neill, which passed.

But a spokesperson for opposition leader Don Polye, Wanpis Ako, says the acting speaker didn't follow parliamentary rules in rejecting the motion.

He says Mr Ganasi yesterday told Mr Polye that the motion was in order and could be tabled, and then a day later threw out the motion with no explanation.

"He contradicted himself. In the first place in his reply letter he said that the motion was in order and was in the national interest. And then he went on to say that he rejected the motion."

Wanpis Ako says the opposition plans to resubmit the motion.