Taiwan has given Solomon Islands lots of money that if put to good use could have developed this country to some extent for the past 36 years when the country still had a relationship with Taiwan.
The Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani said if the county has had good leadership, money that Taiwan poured into the country in the past 36 years is significant enough to trigger some major developments in the country.
Premier Suidani is of the view that money is not a problem, rather leadership is the real issue in the country.
The Malaita Premier said even if China poured millions into this country, if Solomon Islands still have leadership issues, nothing will transpire similar to the past 36 years when Solomon Islands enjoyed a relationship with Taiwan.
Asked about if Taiwan was behind the current stand that Malaita took given that Taiwan has helped Malaita and its Premier on his medical trip to Taiwan, the Premier said he puts the interest of Malaitans first.
He said the help that Taiwan gave to Malaita is under humanitarian support where he said it is not a bad idea to ask an old friend for help which other countries also benefited under.
He said the people of Malaita are thankful for assistance received from Taiwan during this covid-19 era.
Malaita has received medical assistance and food from Taiwan under humanitarian help in the light of covid-19.
Taiwan also helped Malaita Premier get his much needed medical treatment in Taiwan this year.
However, the Premier said issues that the current MARA government is vocal about are Malaita issues that have nothing to do with Taiwan.
By WILSON SANEI
Auki News Bureau
