THE Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has denied having any knowledge of allegation the national government is architecting the removal of Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani from office.
A senior government official has claimed the national government wants Suidani removed from office over his recent comments against the COVID-19 kits China is donating.
Suidani has urged the national government not to accept the COVID-19 kits after a number of international countries rejected similar kits from China over claims they were faulty.
The official claimed Suidani will be taken to task when premiers meet in Honiara today to be briefed by the Ministry of Provincial Government on COVID-19 updates.
But responding to the claim, MPGIS Permanent Secretary Stanley Pirione said his ministry is not aware of any moves to remove the premier of Malaita.
He added if such information is circulating, they are nothing but rumours.
Pirione said today’s meeting which all premiers will attend is to discuss Covid-19 measures the government has come up with.
When contacted, Premier Suidani said his comments on the COVID-19 kits from China were made as father of Malaita Province.
“It is important for a father to check and ensure what others want to donate to my children are of high quality, are safe and pose no threat to my children,” Suidani said.
“If the national government wants to punish me for ensuring my people get the best COVID-19 test kits then their intention and action are not in the best interest of my people,” he added.
“I am an elected leader representing my people and I will always act in the best interest of my people as their leader in times like this.
“Give us COVID-19 kits from other genuine suppliers like Australia, Taiwan, Japan or New Zealand.”
By WILSON SAENI
in Auki
