The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) calls on the Opposition Leader to learn his geography before taking a stand on the matter of West Papua.
West Papua was and is still under Indonesia’s sovereign rule; therefore any issues pertaining to West Papua have to be pursued through the Indonesian government.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) recognized Indonesia’s sovereign right over West Papua and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Indonesian government on the ongoing issues faced by West Papuans.
After the inauguration of the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto last week, Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele MP held a brief bilateral meeting with the President. Among issues discussed by the leaders was the need for closer collaboration on issues affecting West Papuans.
Bilaterally, GNUT will continue to engage constructively with the Indonesian government on the issue of West Papua. On the regional front, GNUT will continue to work with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to find a long- lasting solution to West Papua’s plight.
The MSG intends to initiate a fact- finding mission to West Papua, among other objectives, to verify the reports of humanitarian violations. The Solomon Islands supports the MSG’s initiative.
As a Christian country, Solomon Islands will condemn any evidence- based human rights violations.
Regarding the alleged kidnappings, GNUT has responded through the rightful authority- the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
A comprehensive approach has been adopted in which government institutions collaborate to restore calm and normalcy.
Government has done its part to ensure the safety and security of its citizens; regrettably, the Opposition Leader did not recognize this.
Matthew Wale needs to develop his public statements well; as they are, they lack substance and are clearly unprofessional.
OPMC will only engage in public conversation with the Opposition Leader on the condition that he improves his public statements.
Ends//
-OPMC Press Release
2) Wale Blasts PM on False Accusations and Betrayal of West Papua
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has condemned the Prime Minister for engaging in deceptive tactics following criticisms of his silence on the recent kidnapping issue.
Hon. Wale stressed that matters of national security falls squarely on the Prime Minister, not the Leader of Opposition.
“It is misleading for the Prime Minister to shift blame to anyone else when he, as the head of the executive, holds the sole responsibility for national security. This is purely deceptive,” Hon. Wale said.
Contrary to the Prime Minister’s accusations, Hon. Wale said that he actively sought an appointment with the Commissioner of Police to be briefed on the situation.
“Communications were made through official channels to the Commissioner of Police in the morning of 21 October 2024, followed by a second email in the afternoon. There was however no acknowledgement of receipt or response whatsoever,” Hon. Wale said.
Hon. Wale said that making a statement without proper information from the police would have been irresponsible at that time.
“Adding to the media frenzy without clear, verified information would have been reckless. I chose to wait for true and proper information before speaking further,” Wale explained.
Hon. Wale however said that the Prime Minister’s actions already wreak of deception and a blatant disregard for accountability. The Prime Minister is mocking the people’s anxiety and fears.
“The PM specifically said that he would not be going overseas to Samoa for CHOGM due to domestic issues. It seems that the issue of kidnapping was not domestic enough, to keep him from going to Indonesia. This deceptive behaviour raises serious concerns about his priorities” Wale said.
Wale criticized the Prime Minister’s so called rare relationship with Indonesia, likening it to an act of Judas’ betrayal.
“The PM’s relationship with Indonesia mirrors that of Judas: selling the birthright of West Papuans for thirty pieces of silver. The PM should be ashamed of himself,” Wale concluded.
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-OPMC Press Release
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