marus was re-elected at the 2012 election, defeating a challenge from former police commissioner gari baki. he was nominated for speaker by his png party but was defeated by theo zurenouc in a vote of 88 to 17. his party went into opposition, and he became shadow minister for forestry, climate change and environment and conservation under belden namah. in may 2013, he crossed from the opposition to the government, joining the united resources party. in june 2014, he again changed parties, joining the people's national congress. he was promoted to minister for higher education, research, science and technology in july 2016.