Acting Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has rejected recent false allegations by the Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) against newly appointed Royal Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Frank Prendergast.

Hon. Maelanga in a statement last week clarified that there is no standing case in the Federal Court of Australia that involves Mr Prendergast in the issue relating to the Christmas Island incident as alleged by the MMF.

He further clarified that the appointment of Mr Prendergast was made according to a rigorous and independent procedure, the same that is followed for all such appointments made under the Constitution of Solomon Islands.

Mr Prendergast was appointed on merit, based on his professional experience and qualifications making him eminently suitable for the role.

“There was no influence whatsoever on the appointment process from any foreign Government or party on the appointment of Mr Prendergast as the MMF seeks to allege,” Mr Maelanga said.

Hon. Maelanga said the Office of the Prime Minister does not see any need to discuss the issue raised against the newly appointed Commissioner of Police any further.

Hon. Maelanga said the Government of Solomon Islands looks forward to Mr Prendergast taking up his important appointment and call on all citizens of this country to cooperate with him as he takes charge of the RSIPF to maintain law and order in our peaceful and Hapi Isles.

 

Source: Press Relese, Government Communications Unit