It seems extraordinary, given what the Somare government claims to be its unassailable grip on power, but it seems to be running scared of the opposition.

In two different but related actions in the last two days, the government has shown a sense of heightened nervousness.

First it threatened to disband a bipartisan parliamentary committee investigating anti-Asian riots, using as a phony excuse that the committee “has lost its credibility” and the dubious rationale that “it has become a tool to sabotage economic relations between the Philippines and PNG.”

The bipartisan panel, chaired by MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham, was seeking to establish what triggered the May protests and looting of shops owned and operated by Chinese, not Filipinos, in the highlands, Lae and Port Moresby.

It was starved of funds and official support and a so-called “government caucus” last week deemed that Mr Maxtone-Graham was no longer fit to chair the panel.

And, in defiance of parliament's express wish, the government has said it will now create its own panel to hold an inquiry - without the presence of the media.

Meanwhile fears of a no-confidence vote have led to the sudden cancellation of a crucial meeting in Bougainville by deputy prime minister Sir Puka Temu and other senior ministers.

It has been reported that a possible opposition move during the current budget session of parliament had compelled the leaders to remain in Port Moresby.