by Ronald Toito’ona

Former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani has filed a police complaint against the current Premier, Elijah Asilaua, alleging Asilaua’s involvement in the disappearance of $30,000 earmarked for Malaita Day celebrations in 2023.

The complaint, lodged with the Malaita Provincial Police on April 10 2025, claims that the missing funds were part of a government grant intended to support ward-level activities commemorating the 40th Malaita Second Appointed Day..

Suidani, the Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 5, asserts that the money was never delivered to his ward as intended, when he was terminated as the MPA for the Ward in 2023.

Suidani’s decision to pursue the matter follows a recent High Court ruling that declared his termination from the Malaita Provincial Assembly null and void. 

The Court further ruled that Suidani is entitled to all wages, allowances, and benefits that were due to him during his period of removal. 

Empowered by this legal victory, Suidani has vowed to hold those responsible for financial mismanagement to account.

Documents Confirm $30,000 Allocated Per Ward

Documents seen by In-depth Solomons indicate that each of the 33 wards in Malaita Province was allocated $30,000 to celebrate the province’s 40th Second Appointed Day in August 2023.

At least two MPAs at the time confirmed in writing that they received the full amount from the Malaita Provincial Government’s finance division.

David Osuria, MPA for Mandalua/Folotana Ward (6), stated “The total grants for the Ward was $30,000.00. The first tranche delivered was $20,000 then later $10,000.” 

His confirmation letter, referring to disbursements under the Martin Fini government, was signed on 8 April 2025.

Peter Clay Taraumae, MPA for Ward 24, confirmed a similar account.

“This is to confirm that Malaita Provincial Government under the Leadership of former Premier, Martin Fini has allocated the sum of $30,000 to each of the 33 Wards in Malaita Province to mark and celebrate the Malaita Day (15 August 2023) at the Ward level in the rural communities.”

Ward 5 Committee Left Empty-Handed

According to Suidani, the funds were never received by his ward committee. 

The Ward Development Committee (WDC) of Ward 5 has stated in a letter that they never received their allocation. 

“We were informed that the allocated funds for Ward 5 had already been taken by Hon. Elijah Asilaua, the Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 11,” the Chairperson, Godfrey Maetafau confirmed.

The letter which was sighted by In-depth Solomons detailed that the WDC was directed to meet Asilaua at the Premier’s Office in Auki, where he reportedly asserted that “he alone had the authority to decide how the funds would be utilized in Ward 5” – since Suidani was no longer the MPA.

They were also advised that no group within Ward 5, including the WDC, would be given access to the funds without his (Asilaua’s) express permission.

Chairperson Maetafau expressed the committee’s deep concern.

“We believe it is essential to uphold the integrity of the democratic process and ensure that the funds allocated for our ward are managed by our elected representatives within the committee, rather than by individuals selected outside of our governance structure.”

The committee ultimately returned without the funds, canceling all plans for Malaita Day events in Ward 5.

Missing Money and Allegations of Misuse 

In a separate letter, Ward 5 community member Primo Ofotalua confirmed that the Ward did not receive the money, as there were no Malaita Day celebrations happening.

He alleged a ‘suspected misuse of public funds’ amounting to $30,000 and wants to see investigation into the matter taken seriously.

Ofotalua insists that instead of channelling the funds through the legitimate Ward Development Committee (WDC) of Ward 5, the provincial administration at the time bypassed the process.

It was alleged that Premier Asilaua engaged individuals, including one of his relatives, who is not a member of the Ward 5 WDC, to manage the funds.

In-depth Solomons also received confirmation that two withdrawals were made, with the cheque 163545 for $20,000.00 on 14 August 2023, and another cheque 163568 for a $10,000.00 on 16 August 2023.

This publication was informed that both cheques were raised to Asilaua.

Attempts to clarify the situation through administrative channels yielded no satisfactory explanation, prompting Suidani to escalate the matter to the police.

Breach of Public Trust Alleged in Police Report

In his police report, Suidani alleges that Premier Asilaua either directly mishandled or failed to properly account for the funds, thereby breaching public trust and violating provincial financial regulations.

“I have no choice but to take this matter to the police,” Suidani said. 

“The people of Ward 5 were deprived of their rightful share of the Malaita Day celebrations, and public funds must be accounted for. No one is above the law.”

Suidani added the action by the Premier, who was an ordinary MPA at the time, was an act of official corruption through misappropriation and conversion of public funds and an abuse of a highly respected office.

The former premier stated that the purpose and objective to file the police report through public complaint was to seek immediate and thorough investigations into the alleged involvement of Mr Asilaua.

Police Confirm Investigation Underway

Police have confirmed receipt of Suidani’s complaint and said investigations are underway. 

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Malaita province, Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa told In-depth Solomons that his office has received the file.

“Yes, we received it (file). 

“The Provincial Crime Investigation Officer (PCIO) is making consultations as part of the investigation,” PPC Tafoa said.

Auki Police assured the public that the matter will be handled according to due process.

Meanwhile, In-depth Solomons reached out to Premier Asilaua to answer to the serious allegations held against him, but he declined to respond since the matter is now with the police.

“Thank you for the questions. Since it’s a filed (Police) case, I will not respond to your questions,” Premier Asilaua told In-depth Solomons.