Prime Minister Danny Philip shocked the nation yesterday when he picked Mr Maelanga, a former police officer and ex-prisoner, as his deputy.
Mr Maelanga, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, and other cabinet ministers took their office oaths yesterday.
“I am confident of performing my duties as expected of me,” Mr Maelanga told the Solomon Star.
He said whatever critics may say about his appointment, the fact is he was now a national leader.
“I believe every elected MP has the confidence of his people.
“This is why we were elected because our people have trust and confidence in us,” he said.
Mr Maelanga, who first entered parliament in 2008 during a by-election, promised to work with other cabinet ministers to move the nation forward.
Another new minister Jimmy Lusibaea also express confident in his new ministerial role.
Mr Lusibaea, a former leader of the now defunct Malaita Eagle Force who had also served his time in prison for ethnic tension related offences, is the new Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources.
“I am aware this is going to be a challenging job for me but it’s one I promise to take it head-on,” he said.
Mr Lusibaea said as a businessman and someone who previously worked in the fishing industry, he is prepared for his new job.
“I believe with the support of my staff, it would be easy to fit into the system and help to advance the policies of the government.”
Meanwhile, new Infrastructure and Development minister Jackson Fiulaua said despite his limited education, he’s confident too of taking up the role.
“On day one I decided to remain a backbencher. But when the call comes, I decided to take it on.”
He said he’s open to criticism from public but feels really confident to advance his new role as a minister.
Mr Fiulaua unseated high profile politician Fred Fono in the Central Kwara’ae constituency in the August 4 elections.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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