by Georgina Maka’a
Taiwan has shared its deepest condolences with the family of Daniel Suidani, the former Malaita premier who died in Honiara on Tuesday due to health complications.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.
“A steadfast friend of Taiwan, Suidani upheld the values of freedom and friendship with courage and conviction,” the post reads.
“We extend our sincere condolences to his family and the people of Solomon Islands,” it added.
In 2021, Suidani, 55, travelled to Taiwan for medical treatment for a suspected brain tumour. He underwent life-saving surgery paid for by the Taiwanese Government, before returning to continue his premiership.
On his return, Suidani thanked the Taiwanese Government and people for their help, describing the democratic island-nation as a “true friend”.
A former school teacher, Suidani shot to international fame after he became premier of Malaita in 2019 and staunchly opposed the switch of diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
Furthermore, his provincial government refused to accept China as a diplomatic partner or allow it to be involved in any infrastructure projects.
His anti-China stance put him on a direct collision course with the last Sogavare government, who backed three no-confidence votes against Suidani during his tenure.
He stood up to the first two votes, but fell to the third – losing the premier’s job as a result.
As if this is not enough, the Sogavare government went further and disqualified Suidani from being a member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, accusing him of showing loyalty to Taiwan.
But the High Court later quashed the government’s decision, describing it as “invalid”, and ordered the state to pay Suidani’s entitlements.
Last year, Suidani and his advisor Celsus Talifilu were arrested and charged in relation to the 2021 anti-China protests in Auki.
The case went on trial recently, but after the police concluded its case, Suidani’s lawyer Lily Ramo filed a no-case to answer submission. A ruling was due this week.
In last year’s provincial elections, Suidani secured his Ward 5 seat for a second term, but he did not contest the premier’s election.
Suidani’s body will be returned to his home village at Sisifiu after a funeral service at the All Saints Parish in Honiara tomorrow.
Malaita Province will be holding a special event in Auki in honour of Suidani before his body is taken for burial at his home village.
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