DCCG claims more MPs
THE Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) had claimed it now commands the support of 30 members of the 50 seat Parliament amidst the current political wracking.
A press statement from office of the Prime Minister said, six members of the Parliamentary Independent Group have joined the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) yesterday.
The statement said the new partnership boosts Government’s confidence in maintaining political stability to take the country forward.
Those who joined forces with the Government are the Leader of Independent Group and MP for East Malaita Manasseh Maelanga, MP for Shortland Chris Laore, MP for West Honiara Namson Tran, MP for North Malaita Jimmy Lusibaea, MP for Baegu -Asifola David Tome and MP for South Choiseul Elizah Doromoala.
Five of them will take up a number of Ministerial portfolios left vacant by former Ministers who had resigned last week.
They are expected to be sworn in at Government House today.
The latest twist of events casts doubts ahead of the motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare scheduled for debate in Parliament this Friday.
Despite that, Opposition Leader Jeremiah Manele said, he is still moving the no confidence motion this Friday.
Meanwhile, Leader of Independents Manasseh Maelanga in an exclusive interview with the Solomon Star said, the decision by his group to join DCCG is a collective one to ensure political stability is maintained and move the country forward.
Mr. Maelanga said the Independent Group in Parliament is a constitutional office mandated under section 66 of the constitution and as leaders they took into consideration factors from both sides of the House before making their decisions.
He said their decision to join the government is a collective one they have agreed on after consultations between the members based on national interests.
“We moved to the government side to ensure political stability is maintained and move government’s policy ahead,” he said.
Mr Maelanga explained that since the independent group in parliament is not a political party as such they have now signed as members of the People’s Alliance Party and United Democratic Party on order to join the Government..
He denied claims that money may have been offered to lure them to the Government side.
He said, all it matters is the understanding between them and the government and that is the offer to fill up the portfolios left vacant by the resignation of the seven Ministers.
He pointed out that the understanding is that the Leader of the Independent Group will become the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs.
Mr Chris Laore will become the Minister for Forestry and Research, David Tome- Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Elijah Doromuala- Minister for Commerce, Industries, Employment and Immigration,Jimmy Lusibaea- Minister for Infrastructure Development and Namson Tran as Government a Backbench member.
Meanwhile Mr Maneopra said, he was forced to sign a resignation letter prepared for him by those who masterminded the resignation plot before he left the country.
However, he has revealed his loyalty to the Government and will still maintain his portfolio as Minister for Lands and Housing.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
