The Bulolo MP Sam Basil and the bulk of his Pangu Pati have confirmed they are joining Papua New Guinea's government.
Mr Basil held a press conference with prime minister Peter O'Neill Monday afternoon, confirming he was bringing across with him 11 Pangu MPs to the People's National Congress-led coalition government.
At least four Pangu MPs have decided to stay with the opposition which is struggling to contain defections after the recent start of the tenth parliament.
Mr Basil campaigned in this year's general election on a platform for removing the O'Neill-led government of six years.
After dismissing social media reports of his plan to join Mr O'Neill in government two weeks ago, Mr Basil today confirmed the move flanked by a number of his MPs alongside Mr O'Neill and several cabinet ministers.
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