Ramohia: Federalism is not on our table
MALAITA has maintained it will not take part in any discussion on the proposed federal system for the country.
Premier Peter Ramohia reiterated this when speaking at his province’s 33rd Second Appointed Day in Auki, Monday.
“I would like to state again that Malaita Provincial Assembly would still not take part in any discussion on the proposed Federal System,” Mr Ramohia said.
“This is because Malaita Provincial Government is seriously pursuing a system that can work better for the people of Malaita,” he added.
“I would like to make it clear that during the 32nd appointed day celebration last year I announced that Malaita Province will pursue our intention to establish a sovereign nation of Malaita and this is to involve pursuing a system that can work for Malaita.”
Mr Ramohia requested the national government to allow Malaita to be a ‘Guinea pig’ of this system now to see if it works for them; and if it does, it can be a model for other provinces to develop their own.
“I wish to let you know that this intention of the sovereign nation of Malaita is still an ongoing process and that consultations are ongoing,” the premier told Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who was guest of honour at the event.
He said in October last year, the province held consultation with the majority of the Malaita members of Parliament in Honiara and the meeting agreed to support the provincial position on the intention.
“In this regard, I would like to state again that Malaita Provincial Assembly would still not take part in any discussion on the proposed Federal System.
“May I take this opportunity to reiterate to all Malaitans wherever you may be that let us not see ourselves as people divided by political, cultural or geographical boundaries but we must see ourselves as Malaitans with common dreams to build a sustainable environment that we may enjoy our lives; a safe and conducive environment for a sustainable livelihood to exist.”
The intention to introduce a federal system of government for the country has been on the agenda for the last 10 years.
A draft federal constitution is already in place.
The Sogavare government intends to bring the draft constitution for approval in parliament.
By BIRIAU W. SAENI
in Auki