IN an unprecedented move, Members of Parliament (MP) from Malaita Province have reconciled their differences and vowed to work together for the betterment of the province and the country as a whole.
The Malaita MPs on Monday held a reconciliation ceremony at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament to iron out their past differences and those during the recent National General Election.
Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale, speaking on behalf of the Malaita MPs on the Opposition Group, apologized to Malaita MPs on the Government side for the insensitive remarks made against other Malaita MPs in the past and during this year’s election campaign period.
“I sincerely apologize for any hurtful comments made against my fellow brothers. This is an important undertaking that will pave the way for us Malaita leaders to forge a new relationship to advance our province’s development aspirations and for our nation as a whole,” he said.
Minister for Infrastructure & Development, Manasseh Maelanga also apologized on behalf of Malaita MPs on the Government side for statements echoed against their fellow brothers from Opposition in the past.
Minister Maelanga said Malaita MPs must work together to advance the interests of the people of Malaita and the country as a whole.
“Let’s put our differences behind us, forgive and forget and work together to advance the development ambitions of our province and country,” he said.
Leader of Independent Group, Peter Kenilorea Jnr also echoed similar comments.
MP Kenilorea Jr said this reconciliation was timely and the right way forward.
He said it is the wish of the people of Malaita to see national leaders work together.
All the other Malaita MPs also took turns to express their desire to see Malaita MPs work together with other national leaders.
The Malaita MPs who attended apart from Wale, Maelanga and Kenilorea Jr were:
MP for West Are’ Are, John Maneniaru;
MP for Baegu Asifola, Makario Tagini;
MP for Fataleka, Rex Ramofafia;
MP for Small Malaita, Rick Hou;
MP for Lau Baelelea, Ben Maenu’u;
MP for Malaita Outer Islands, Polycarp Paea;
MP for West Kwaio, Claudius Tei’fi
MP for West Kwara’ae, Alfred Tuasulia; and
MP for East Honiara, Morris Toiraena.
The MPs absent were:
MP for Central Kwara’ae, Rick Fuo, who is on an official trip to Palau;
MP for East Kwaio, Stanley Sofu, who is sick; and
MP for North Malaita, Daniel Waneoroa is on official trip.
Despite their physical absence, the three MPs pledged their full support behind this renewed undertaking.
The Malaita MPs will be traveling to Auki to attend Malaita Day celebrations this week.
Solomon Star understands this is the first time ever for Malaita MPs to come together in reconciliation and to vow to work together for the betterment of the home province and the nation at large.
