THE Solomon Islands People First Party (SIPFP) has refuted Monday’s front-page article of Solomon Star headlined ‘IN FOR THE KILL?’ saying it wrongly portrayed that SIPFP sought to establish links with China and business leaders in case the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) leadership collapsed.
A statement by the SIPFP Parliamentary Wing Leader and Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Chachabule Amoi said:
“The age-old journalist and rumour-monger is at it again. This time, he accuses the Solomon Islands People First Party of being ‘on the move to destroy GNUT with a secret visit to China soon after the withdrawal of MONC.’
“Sasako wrongly portrayed that SIPFP sought to establish links with China and business leaders in case the GNUT leadership collapsed. Not surprisingly, Sasako failed to verify his information with SIPFP Leadership before putting pen to paper. This is poor journalism and it is not unusual for him.
“The trip to China was a privately arranged business trip that is known to the Government. The government knows the purpose of the trip, which centres on an outstanding business matter carried forward from the DCGA policies.
“As the former Prime Minister’s Press Advisor, Sasako should know better that no Minister is allowed to leave the country without the prior written permission of the Prime Minister. This protocol requires adherence.
“Therefore, Sasako must be told that it is misleading to report that Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is unaware of the trip. The Prime Minister granted permission for his Ministers to take this business trip.
“The delegation to China met China Enterprise Reform and Development Society and China National Agriculture Development Company Limited. It was led by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi.
“As a matter of process, the GNUT Government will be informed of the outcomes of the China Trip via a Cabinet Paper. The Memorandum will be presented to the Cabinet upon the return of the Minister, responsible for agriculture development, who is currently on annual leave.”
The statement urges Sasako to know that no right-minded investor will invest in a country with frequent government changes.
“Political instability is the enemy of genuine investment. Therefore, the claim to destroy GNUT is contrary to the good intentions of the China Trip.
“The SIPFP will always defend the interests of women, youth, children, and underserved peoples of the Solomon Islands, and poor journalism that tarnishes the party’s image will not be taken lightly by the Party Leadership.
“Sadly, Sasako has failed to understand that ‘constructive criticism is better than poor journalism,” it added.
Minister Wasi was also unhappy with the report.
The group reportedly departed on 22 December and returned on 29 December 2024.
