The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has announced a new ministerial lineup following his sacking of five ministers he's accused of plotting against a bill to strengthen the party political system.
Derek Sikua says parliament's rejection of the Constitution Political Parties Amendment Bill is unfortunate as it was aimed at improving political stability.
Jo O'Brien has more
"The Prime Minister says he sacked the ministers because they were either absent during the vote on the bill, or were involved in a conspiracy to defeat it by ensuring that some back benchers were absent. He says some MPs still want a fluid political situation, which does not benefit Solomon Islands. Dr Sikua's announced that Francis Billy Hilly will replace the sacked finance minister, Snyder Rini, Clement Kengava replaces Gordon Darcy Lilo as Environment Minister, Severino Nuaiasi takes over from Nollen Leni as Fisheries Minister, Bernard Ghiro replaces Selwyn Riumana as Agriculture Minister, and Augustine Taneko will replace Laurie Chan as Justice Minister. Friday is the last day of the current Parliament, and Dr Sikua is confident his caretaker government can continue until an election later this year."
