The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) says the reasons advanced for the motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale do not justify a change of government, exposing instead what it describes as political opportunism, poor leadership judgment and an irresponsible attempt to destabilise the people’s government.
OPMC said the GREAT Coalition Government has been in office for only three months and is already undertaking significant reforms aimed at addressing longstanding problems.
“The reasons being advanced for this motion do not warrant a change of government. If anything, they demonstrate poor leadership judgment and a disturbing willingness to put petty political interests ahead of national interest,” the statement said.
The statement said the GREAT Coalition inherited a country facing longstanding governance, economic and social challenges and immediately set about putting government systems back on track.
“In a few months, we are set to roll out the free education policy. GREAT has also embarked on reforms aimed at strengthening good governance, reducing the cost of living and driving economic growth.”
OPMC said it is politically dishonest and fundamentally irresponsible to measure a government’s performance after only three months in office, and asked who benefits from bringing down a government that has only just begun implementing its reform programme.
“The people must not be deceived. Solomon Islanders should ask themselves why a group of politicians would want to bring down a government that is only three months into office and is attempting to set the house in order,” the statement added.
OPMC said the reasons presented to the public should be examined against the broader political circumstances surrounding the motion. “Are these really reasons serious enough to remove a government, or are they simply political excuses being used to manufacture another change of government?” it said.
The statement said Solomon Islanders have seen enough of political instability and governments being changed for reasons that have little to do with improving ordinary people’s lives. The GREAT Coalition was elected to govern and should be given the opportunity to implement its policies and reforms.
“The people deserve the opportunity to see whether the GREAT Coalition can deliver,” it said. “The GREAT Coalition does not even yet have a budget of its own to defend, yet the opportunists see fit to bring a motion against its leadership. This is nothing short of self-interest, nothing more, nothing less.”
The statement accused those behind the motion of attempting to create political instability when the country needs important reforms and must continue with its current investigations. “This is not responsible leadership. It is political opportunism.”
OPMC said the Government will not be distracted from its reform agenda.
 “GREAT will continue to work for the people. We will continue to reform, we will continue to deliver, and we will continue to put the interests of Solomon Islands ahead of political games and personal ambitions,” the statement added.