MALAITA Speaker Ronnie Butala has extended an olive branch to Premier Daniel Suidani on the on-going row over swearing-in of the Premier’s ministerial line-up
“Instead of engaging in a public row, the Premier and I set an example for our people, bearing in mind that as leaders we are subject to scrutiny and criticism. We must accept criticisms,” Mr. Butala said.
“For this reason, I call on the Premier to concentrate on what we think best for people and preach it to our communities in and around Malaita. We must allow democracy to rule,” Mr. Butala said.
“I also call for total cooperation from all stakeholders in respecting our leaders when they first discussed the motions against the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
Mr. Butala said he no longer wants to engage in public argument.
“I must reiterate that as leaders we must learn to accept criticisms,” Mr. Butala told Solomon Star yesterday.
“In saying that, I wish to make it clear that I will refrain from this debate. I ask the Hon Premier to do the same as well as to accept criticisms. He is a leader – he must learn to accept criticisms.
“This will allow designated authorities to deal with the issues which gave rise to these arguments in the first place,” the Speaker said.
Mr. Butala said he had accepted the motion of no confidence which the Premier had filed against him. This motion is not based on substance but rather assumptions.
“The Premier’s problem is that including the Speaker and his Deputy in the same motion had raised the question of procedure. As it stands, the motion is unprocedural because there will be no one to facilitate it in the Assembly unless the motion is revised to be against me only.
“In fact the Premier should concentrate his efforts in addressing 11 substantial allegations against brought against him by ministers who once served in his government – that really is the issue.
“To turn around as he did and accused me of this and that is childish by any standard. My role as Speaker is to facilitate the business of the Provincial Assembly at all times,” Mr. Butala said.
On the issue of the swearing in ceremony, the Speaker said what many people do not understand is the process to get to the swearing-in stage.
The process starts with nominations of individuals the Premier had hand-picked to serve in his government. The names of the nominees are then sent to the Minister of Provincial Government for his endorsement.
It is only after this that it is proper and lawful to administer the swearing-in ceremony followed by a gazette listing the appointments.
“To do otherwise is improper in terms of procedure,” Mr Butala said.
By Alfred Sasako
Newsroom, Honiara
