BY NED GAGAHE

Former Premier of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani, has passed away yesterday morning at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.

The sad news of his passing was confirmed by his former advisor and close friend, Celsus Talifilu, who made the announcement shortly after his death.

“It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Honourable Daniel Suidani, Member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly for Ward 5, West Baegu/Fataleka, who passed away this morning at the NRH,” Talifilu said.

Following the news, tributes began pouring in from within Solomon Islands and abroad, with many describing Suidani as a fearless leader whose voice and principles shaped the country’s political conversation in recent years.

“The late Daniel Suidani will be remembered as a fearless leader who stood firm in his beliefs and defended the voice of his people. His legacy as a principled and outspoken Premier of Malaita will continue to inspire generations of Solomon Islanders,” one community leader said.

“It feels as if Malaita has lost one of her brightest sons.

“Suidani’s leadership was not just political, it was deeply personal to many of us who saw him as a true warrior for truth and justice,” said a grieving resident.

Another commentator reflected, “The nation mourns the passing of a man whose convictions shaped national discourse and drew global attention to Solomon Islands’ democracy. Whether admired or opposed, Daniel Suidani’s influence on the country’s political landscape is undeniable.”

Late Suidani first rose to prominence when he became Premier of Malaita Province in June 2019. During his tenure, he became widely known for his outspoken opposition to the Solomon Islands government’s diplomatic switch from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Under his leadership, the Malaita Provincial Assembly issued the “Auki Communiqué,” which called for a moratorium on investments linked “directly or indirectly with the Chinese Communist Party.”

His bold stance won him admiration from supporters, particularly in Malaita, but also drew criticism from within the national government.

In 2020, he announced plans for a provincial referendum on Malaita’s autonomy, an unprecedented move that underscored his determination to protect the province’s interests.

However, in February 2023, Suidani was removed from office through a vote of no confidence.

He was later disqualified from the provincial assembly after refusing to recognise the One-China policy. Despite these setbacks, his political career continued to resonate deeply with the people.

In 2022, he founded the Umi for Change Party (U4C), through which he continued advocating for transparency, good governance, and Malaita’s right to self-determination.

He was re-elected to the Malaita Provincial Assembly in April 2024, and in March 2025, the High Court ruled that his earlier dismissal from office had been unlawful, a decision seen by many as a vindication of his fight for justice.

Beyond politics, Daniel Suidani was regarded as a grassroots leader, a man who connected with ordinary people, built relationships with community chiefs, women, and youth, and grounded his leadership in indigenous values.

“He was a man of courage and conviction. Even when the pressure was great, he stood firm for what he believed was right for Malaita,” said one supporter.

Island Sun understands that in early 2021 when Suidani was Premier he had been suffering from chronic and increasingly severe headaches, described by doctors as “throbbing” pain in the frontal and temporal region which required advanced scanning and treatment outside the country.

The condition was described as a “probable brain space-occupying lesion” — a term referring to a suspected mass in the brain.

Due to the complexity and seriousness of his condition, Mr Suidani travelled to Taiwan for further diagnosis and treatment.

The trip, however, drew political attention at the time, as it occurred amid tensions between the Malaita Provincial Government and the national government over diplomatic relations with China and Taiwan.

The national government reportedly deemed his overseas trip “unauthorised,” saying it contravened the country’s One-China policy.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be made known in due course.

Photo: Supplied

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