MALAITANS have welcomed the reconciliation ceremony between Members of Parliament (MPs) from Malaita Province within the Opposition, Independent groups and the Government on Monday.
News of the reconciliation has generated positive remarks from the public, especially Malaitans.
The reconciliation was held in Honiara at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament in Honiara.
The ceremony allowed the political leaders to reconcile their differences over the past years and during the 2024 National General Election campaign period.
MP for Aoke-Langalanga and Leader of the Opposition, Mathew Wale, who spoke on behalf of the Malaita MPs of the Opposition, apologized for the derogatory remarks he uttered against Malaita MPs of the government in the past, including the recent election campaign period.
Member of Parliament for East Malaita and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, in turn conveyed apology on behalf of the Malaita MPs in the Government for statements made against Malaita MPs in the Opposition.
A West Kwara’ae elder Nathaniel Maegwari, who is amongst the Malaitans who welcomed the reconciliation said, the decision taken by the Malaita MPs to resolve their political differences was timely as Malaita celebrate its 41st Second Appointed Day today.
He said, the reconciliation by Malaita’s MPs was what many Malaitans, including himself, have been hoping to see and he believes it is the starting point for the reconciliation of people from the different regions of Malaita for the betterment of the province.
“I’m happy to learn that 11 Malaita Parliament members have come together to settle their differences and that the three who were not able to attend the reconciliation ceremony have all mutually agreed with and supported it. This is a demonstration of leadership maturity.
“As a Malaitan elder, I wish to see Malaitan national leaders work together to address the development needs of Malaita and the country,” Mr Maegwari said.
Mr Maegwari said, emphasized Malaita communities are desirous of better living conditions, having access to medicines, improved road infrastructures, schools and clean water and sanitation.
Former Malaita Province Assembly Member for Ward 29, Felix Bosokuru also welcomed the reconciliation initiative.
However, he said, the reconciliation must translate into positive outcomes, such as the leaders working together to address the development needs of Malaita.
All Malaita MPs are expected to participate in the Second Appointed Day celebrations in Auki on Thursday.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
