Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed suggestions that he could be intimidated in his new role, saying his extensive experience in Parliament has prepared him to lead the House effectively.
The Builsa North Member of Parliament said his years of service, including his time as a Ranking Member and chairman of a key parliamentary committee, have equipped him with the experience and leadership skills required for the position.
His comments come after former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul questioned his leadership credentials in an interview.
Mr Nitiwul acknowledged that Mr Agalga is one of Parliament’s longest-serving legislators but argued that he had not previously occupied a major leadership position within the House.
Responding to the criticism, Mr Agalga said his performance in office would ultimately determine how his leadership is judged.
“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.
He added that the public and his colleagues should wait to assess his leadership once Parliament resumes full operations.
Mr Agalga also rejected claims that he is inexperienced in parliamentary leadership, pointing to the various positions he has held 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 argued that his long service in Parliament has earned him the respect of his colleagues and makes him unlikely to be intimidated.
“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 true test of his leadership would be his performance once Parliament resumes its work.
“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.
