-PM Manele welcomes motion of no confidence, says his government is focused on passing budget

-Manele downplays report he sought funding support from China in Friday night dinner with ambassador

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is unfazed by the motion of no confidence against him, saying that his government is ‘solid’ and ‘united’.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Prime Minister Manele said instead his Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is focused on passing the 2025 budget.

“GNUT is solid and united to face the motion of no confidence.

“The Government’s priority now is to pass the 2025 budget, important for the country.

“GNUT is only just eight months old, its first budget to implement its policies and programmes is before Parliament now,” Mr Manele said.

PM Manele also emphasised political stability, which the country needs now.

“Not clear what the grounds for the motion are. Of course any Member of Parliament has the right to move a motion of no confidence, but political stability is critical for the country’s progress and development.”

Meanwhile, Manele brushed aside reports that he had sought help from the Chinese ambassador during a dinner at the diplomat’s residence Friday night to fund his government’s solidarity.

“That is not true. Need to check their facts. I did not go to ask help, I was invited by the Ambassador for dinner.

“We just had dinner. He invited me to his residence to have dinner. I did not ask or seek any help to maintain government solidarity.”

A notice of Motion of No Confidence was filed by Opposition MP Gordon Darcy Lilo on Thursday last week.

The motion matures and can be tabled this Friday, December 13.

Clerk to parliament Jefferson Hallu had told Island Sun on Thursday last week the motion was filed at 4pm that day. He did not elaborate on the reasons attached to the motion.

However, an Opposition spokesperson told Island Sun over the weekend that reasons for the motion included:

-Prime Minister Manele’s lack of action over his finance minister’s exposed squandering of tax exemptions costing government hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue

-PM Manele’s lack of action to address the huge loss of revenue from the mining operation on Rennell island, Renbel province

-PM Manele’s lack of action regarding exposed offshore account linked to his finance minister and police minister

-The country’s dwindling economy under the leadership of PM Manele, an example highlighted being the budget currently in parliament reportedly just being on paper with no revenue to back it.

Mr Lilo is the MP for Central Honiara, and former prime minister (2011-2014).