Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

PNG’s PPP chooses Tiensten as new leader

Posted at 03:59 on 19 December, 2003 UTC

There has been a change in the leadership of Papua New Guinea’s People’s Progressive Party.

Andrew Baing has been replaced by the trade and industry minister, Paul Tiensten.

The National newspaper reports that the decision was reached at a caucus meeting at which Mr Baing was not present.

Mr Baing had become party leader at the beginning of October when he took over from Dr Allan Marat.

Both were deputy prime ministers in short succession.

Mr Baing was replaced by Moses Maladina after failing to support the government’s bill to double the grace period of a government after its election to three years.