Deputy Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for East Are'Are constituency, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr has come out in support of the statement by Hon. John Maneniaru, former DPM sacked by Sogavare two weeks ago.
Mr Kenilorea Jnr said that Mr Maneniaru is clearly telling the truth when he pointed out that the Sogavare government is supporting “new Chinese masters” and not the people of Solomon Islands.
“Hon. Maneniaru has been a faithful supporter of PM Sogavare through thick and thin, for the past 5 years. He has been a solid and faithful supporter of Sogavare all this time,” said the East Are'Are MP.
“For Hon Maneniaru to point out that the switch was not for the people of Solomon Islands, he must have first hand knowledge that Sogavare and his cronies are chasing ‘China First’ not ‘Solomon First’.
“The pace of the visit to Beijing by the PM, when the ink had not yet dried in the signing of relations between our two countries, is a sure sign that we are serving China’s interest before our own.
“It is a diplomatic anomaly to have such a high level visit to any country soon after the establishment of relations and people should remain vigilant on how this new relationship is unfolding and is being conducted.”
A number of agreements and MoUs were reportedly signed during the visit to Beijing and other parts of China. Kenilorea stated that “the public should be informed on what these MoUs are about”.
He also cautioned that “quick signings of agreements such as the Central Islands Province and the Gold Ridge deals should continue to be questioned”.
“And the public should continue to question whether our leaders profited from personal gains in exchange for possible favours.
“These continued questions on important matters, including those raised by Maneniaru, are ways to check that this government is not putting China first over the interest of Solomon Islands and Solomon Islanders,” the Deputy Opposition Leader states.
Source: Opposition Press