Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed suggestions that he could be intimidated in his new role, insisting that his years of parliamentary experience have prepared him to lead the House effectively.
The Builsa North Member of Parliament said his experience as a ranking member, committee chairman and long-serving legislator has equipped him with the skills needed to handle the responsibilities of Majority Leader.
His comments follow remarks by former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who, in an interview questioned Mr Agalga’s leadership credentials.
Mr Nitiwul argued that although Mr Agalga is one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, he had not previously held a major leadership position within the House.
Responding to the criticism, Mr Agalga said his performance in the role would ultimately determine how he is judged.
“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.
“We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”
Mr Agalga rejected suggestions that he lacks parliamentary leadership experience, highlighting the various roles he has occupied over the years.
“I want to assure you that I am not new to leadership in Parliament. I have been ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. And so, to that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership,” he said.
The Majority Leader further noted that his long service in Parliament had earned him the respect of his colleagues.
“I am a full-term Member of Parliament. And so, I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me,” he said.
Mr Agalga maintained that the success of his leadership would be determined by his actions and contributions once Parliament resumes its work.
“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.