THE PRIME Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has reacted to the failed Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill by labeling his Backbenchers as leaders that lacked qualities of a Parliamentarian.
Dr Sikua told reporters that the actions of his Backbenchers namely, Martin Sopage, Nelson Ne’e, Silas Milikada, Siriako Usa, Mark Kemakeza, Patrick Vahoe, Trevor Olavae, Toswell Kaua and Martin Maga in being absent from voting on the Bill speaks negatively of them.
He stressed that the action they took in being absent from voting has resulted in the Bill being defeated and it easily tells what kind of leaders they are.
Dr Sikua said being easy to influence, these leaders are definitely not those with qualities the country expects to be in the National Parliament.
Prime Minister Sikua said what transpired on Wednesday 21st April was expected.
He said prior to the tabling of the Bill he was aware of two meetings held at the Iron Bottom Sound and the Honiara Hotel, hosted by the five- sacked Ministers to influence the Backbenchers to stay out of voting for the Bill.
“By Tuesday I have known the plans of these Ministers to sabotage the Bill.
“These five Government Ministers have shown their selfish attitude by selling their skin at the expense of others by voting and luring others not to attend.
This has been their behaviour since joining the Government
He said the Ministers have cited that their reason for not voting is due to the CNURA Government’s non-compliance in meeting their entitlements, RCDF and salaries.
The government has met their demands; these Ministers are very childish and immature.
He said the event also showed that there are some MPs who still want to operate in a fluid political situation which largely does not benefit the country.
Dr Sikua mentioned that he has done everything within his means to ensure this Bill goes through, as this reform has been long overdue.
He said it is unfortunate that the Bill and the accompanying Political Parties (Administration and Registration) Bill 2009 has not gone through as it was aimed at improving the political stability of the country, something that has been eluded since Independence, and was an obstacle to sustainable and long-term foreign investment in the country.
