21 Sep 2009

Future of Solomons MP Maga depends on legal advice

3:18 pm on 21 September 2009

The Speaker of the Solomon Islands parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, says he is awaiting legal advice from the Attorney General on whether the MP for Temotu Pele, Martin Maga, should be allowed to remain in Parliament.

Mr Maga underwent major heart surgery in Australia earlier this year..

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports that Sir Peter's comments came in response to concerns raised by the people of Temotu about whether Mr Maga could still effectively represent them in parliament.

Sir Peter, who is also the chair of the Electoral Commission, says he had received advice from the Solomon Islands Consular representative in Sydney, Australia, Doctor Trevor Garland that Mr Maga's illness has rendered him unable to represent his people as an MP.

He says however any decision on the status of the Temotu MP will depend on the legal advice from the Attorney General's office.