Papua New Guinea PM calls opposition leader 'scumbag' amid political power struggle

James Marape faces chaos amid bitter fighting over who can command a majority in a parliament now suspended until April

The bitter arm-wrestle for control of Papua New Guinea's government has descended into chaos with a half-full parliament passing a budget, then deferring parliament for more than five months.

Prime Minister James Marape's grip on power has been marginally improved by Tuesday's events, but remains tenuous and the coming weeks are likely to be racked by private and public machinations over who can command a majority on the floor of the house.