Suidani disqualified from Provincial Assembly

The Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rollen Seleso has disqualified former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani from the Malaita Provincial Assembly in accordance with section 15(1)(a) of the Provincial Government Act 1997.

Reasons for the disqualification were outlined in a letter to Suidani on March 20 which included Suidani’s ongoing failure to recognize the One China Policy which is a key policy of the National Government in which all Provincial Governments are an agent.

The second reason was Suidani’s collusion with Chinese Taipei in defiance of the Sovereign decision of the National Government to recognize the One China Policy.

Minister Seleso said the actions of Suidani as an elected leader to the Malaita Provincial Assembly were governed by the Provincial Government Act 1997.

“An Executive of a Provincial Assembly is an Agent of the National Government and the Provincial Government is included in the concept of the Crown and therefore must always abide by the decisions of the National Government,” Minister Seleso said.

In addition, Seleso said in Solomon Islands, the National Government has a much greater role in governing the country and Provincial Governments have less autonomy.

“The relationship between the Provincial and Governments is more hierarchical with the National Government exercising greater control over all Provincial Governments,” the Minister said.

Seleso further advice Suidani that as Minister he will not engage in a media debate but rather exercise a power under the Provincial Government Act.

The Minister also advised Suidani of his right to make representation to the High Court of Solomon Islands for redress.

“I advise you of your right to petition the High Court of Solomon Islands to seek relief against the declaration in the High Court as provided for under section 16(2) of the Provincial Government Act 1997,” Seleso said.

The Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly was advised to officially declare Suidani’s seat in ward 5 of Baegu-West Fataleka vacant in accordance with section 16(1) of the Provincial Government Act.

In his response, Mr Suidani said he was not surprised by the action of the minister as he had replied to an earlier letter from the minister.  

He pointed out to the minister why in his view he had not been in breach of the provisions of the PGA that the minister relied on to take action against him.

Knowing who Seleso is and his past actions against the MARA government Mr Suidani will continue to pursue the issue adding he used to this lawfare and in fact expect it to increase.

The former Malaita Premier publicly stated that he will not bow down to such abuse of the law by the DCGA and this minister. 

“I believe since in the past the courts have been perceived to be robust. It will be shown in the end that the Minister acted outside of its powers and abused his office,” he said.

He added that he will continue to stand against the abuse of the state by this minister who thinks he can use the law to fulfil its government’s reckless political agenda. This abuse will be exposed for the world to see for themselves.

He will take up the matter with the High Court and seek redress within the timeframe given in the law.

ENDS///