marus first contested the talasea seat at the 2002 election, but was defeated by independent john vulupundi, finishing third overall. he contested the seat again for the pangu party at the 2007 election, defeating vulupindi on the second attempt, and was selected as deputy speaker the following year. in june 2010, criminal william kapris accused marus, tony aimo and patrick pruaitch of corruption, alleging that they benefited from his crimes. marus declared his innocence and welcomed an investigation.