By Alfred Suraia
Honiara
The recent media statement by the People’s First Party (PFP), “leave no one behind” is very interesting.
What does this mean for the Government for national unity and transformation (GNUT) policies and programmes where PFP equally contributed to their formation and translation for both the 100-day programme and the 4-year policy statements?
Lest they forget, they are GNUT and 100% part of the making. This article is an analysis of the implications of the “leave no one behind” statement, whether it is fitting or a camouflage of personal and party interests.
First, the “leave no one behind” principle. The mass resignation of PFP members does not hold true for that principle if national interest is to be served.
Resigning from those ministerial portfolio responsibilities as recently witnessed at the expense of party interest is far from what they claimed but a clear indication of self-serving motives and a lack of commitment to ensuring national interests and services continue without disruption.
If they do care, they should not take that path but work towards finding a better solution and addressing them head-on.
Unfortunately, PFP members failed desperately to demonstrate true leadership and dedication when the nation needs them most. The questions to ask is why and for whose interest are they protecting?
For GNUT, PFP is second to OUR party in terms of membership. They are the core partner during the coalition formation in April, 2024.
If this is what they are, this means their policy priorities were already well captured with their voices being valued within the alliance for the past 2 years.
I assumed they even hold up to 40% of the GNUT total policies and programmes whilst OUR Party holds 50% and Kadere with 10%.
Based on the Political Party Integrity (PPI) Act and the overarching coalition agreement, I also viewed that PFP possibly hold up to 40% of ministerial portfolio allocations including the deputy prime minister’s position.
This figure indicates that they are a significant and influential member of the coalition, with a strong say in all the past decision-making processes yet they denied not being part of everything.
Whether PFP is telling the nation truth or just covering up to avoid losing face. The PFP should not accused GNUT because they are once a core partner and everything GNUT stands for.
However, their continuous denial and betrayal is the same way Judas does for Lord Jesus in the Holy Bible.
A trusted brother, closer friend, but later betrayed just for just 2 pieces of silver coins. Two years is big enough to dealt with any issues of common interest, which I believe they already attempted yet to no success due to party and personal interests.
Thirdly, the name “people first party” is a name that embraces the idea of putting the needs and interests of the people above all else.
How true is it when they don’t live up to it? Their recent action speaks volume about putting their party interest first and national interest behind. Is this what it means to be people centred?
Unfortunately, not a good reflection. The truth is that PFP doesn’t care at all because if they do, they should have focus more on unity and collaboration to find solutions.
Regrettably, that was not the case. They decided to take it another way round. Down the path of selfishness, self-glory, better than the rest, popularity and self-claimed of not doing any wrong at all.
There was no sign of humility but pride. You can tell because they say it all, they are better than the rest.
Are these an example of people centred or a self-centred principle? Just remember, the historic tale of Satan’s fall to the earth. He was let go because of his pride.
The PFP also accuses GNUT leadership of mistrust. If this is true, whose agenda was the second breakaway? Now, a third wave.
Again, whose agenda? Who is the real Judas here? According to accounts of the Holy Bible, the real Judas was one of those who always take the first shot of walking away and blaming the rest. It seems that history is repeating itself again with none other than PFP.
Again, they are the one shifting blame to divide and damage not only politics but the good of the country.
Hence, PFP needs to be more transparent and openly communicate truth in order to build trust and address issues together rather than pointing figures on others.
Not only that, but every citizen needs to know the truth on this mistrust issue being raised. The country does not want to know about your petty party issues but would like to see national development initiatives progress and achieved by 2028.
That is why strong and mature leaders are crucial to fly over challenges in order to embrace national interest than party/personal interests.
Therefore, the claim on “leaving no one behind” is far from near.
The situation regarding the two former PFP ministers was also echoed. PFP wing leaders stated their decision stemmed from solidarity with their colleagues.
However, I got information that Prime Minister’s actions were justified under the Political Party Integrity (PPI) Act and the coalition agreement on ministerial allocation. PFP’s quota was set at 7 members, yet they had 11. The termination of only 2 ministers was insufficient to meet that quota.
GNUT leadership made a compromise, allowing 2 ministers to remain to align with the 7-member limit. With that understanding, why did PFP have to raise it as an issue of concern when the conditions of these agreements just plain and clear.
I assumed they must have forgotten that. To raise their removal as an issue of concern was not a matter of national interest but an internal party agenda only.
Hence, the deputy wing leader should not take this as an excuse. “Leave no one behind” in that context is not a true reflection of what has been transpired.
Lastly, the concern about the economy. PFP stated that if they were given the opportunity to lead, they would change the economic chemistry for better. This is a very bold, strong and a political statement.
This is puzzling because they were once cabinet ministers of the GNUT coalition. Whatever, the course of action, they are part of it. No more, no less. Their recent statement is just about distancing and disconnecting themselves from all that had happened and everything they had together over the last 2 years.
They failed to see efforts and progress achieved so far by GNUT, of which PFP was once part of the making.
Growing the economy hinged so much on many variables, and PFP was part of all the GNUT fiscal policies.
We the ordinary people knows very well that PPF is undeniably part of those responsible for architecting government fiscal policies. Go laea na okote fish lo sea wetem kokosu bait ya. Their action of denying architecting the economy is far from the truth.
They are GNUT, and they are 100% part of the making. The economic efforts and progress made to this day is undeniable.
GNUT is delivering, slowly and surely. There is no room for excuses not even a time to play old games as we are now heading forward for the 50 years anniversary celebration.
Unfortunately, PFP continuous denial of involvement in shaping the economy is simply a facade to shift blame to avoid accountability. We deserve to know the truth about heart of the issues causing this mass shift.
I just realised the value of one of the old saying that “true leaders always listen, humble and take blame for the good of the rest.” I appreciate the humility, humbleness and leadership of the current Honourable Prime Minister and GNUT’s political leadership.
Whatever, the outcome of the current political situation, our leaders must put aside personal and party interests in order to advance national interests for good of our beloved Solomon Islands.
God Bless our leaders and our Nation, Solomon Islands in this difficult political situation.
