Opposition MP Teariki Heather, the leader of the Cook Islands United Party, is the mover of the no-confidence motion. Photo: Screengrab/Cook Islands Parliament livestream
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is currently facing a motion of no confidence in parliament.
It comes after Brown's controversial move to have a Cook Islands passport and refusing to fully consult with Wellington before signing a strategic cooperation agreement and several other deals with China.
Opposition MP Teariki Heather, the leader of the Cook Islands United Party, is the mover of the motion.
Speaking on the floor of parliament prior to moving the motion on Wednesday afternoon (Tuesday, Cook Islands time), Heather said he was aware Brown had majority support in parliament.
However, he was moving the motion on principle.
Heather appealed to MPs on the government side to make their own decisions and quoted US president John F Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Despite some dispute from the opposition, the motion of no confidence was moved forward on today's order paper by Brown ahead of an appropriation bill currently before the house.
Meanwhile, Brown is the second Pacific Island leader to face a no-confidence vote this week.
Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa survived a vote of no confidence on Tuesday, after weeks of political turmoil that has resulted in her leading a minority government.
