By Alfred Sasako
THE new Member of Parliament for West Kwaio, Titus Fiika, who only two weeks ago entered a pact to join the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) for the next four years, is believed to have jumped ship.
Hon Fiika was prompted to join the government so he could be included on the bipartisan Taskforce on China. Now two weeks after being drafted on the Taskforce, the former Malaita Provincial Assembly Speaker is believed to have informed the Government he was no longer in the government coalition.
This was after the five-member Taskforce, headed by East Honiara MP, Hon Dr John Moffat Fugui MP, returned from visits to Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa two weeks ago.
The Taskforce was in Papua New Guinea last week. It is headed for Beijing this week.
Island Sun has established that Hon Fiika had indicated joining the Independent Group in Parliament on his return. He could not be contacted for comments.
Observers told Island Sun the move by the new MP came as a little surprise.
Hon Fiika’s elder brother, East Kwaio MP Hon Stanley Festus Sofu, jumped ships several times during past administrations including former Prime Minister Hon Danny Philip’s tenure.
There were a number of other MPs who did the same thing, prompting Government House to say, “we hope we are dealing with men.”
“I hope Hon Fiika’s act does not repeat itself, given such act seems to be in the blood. Voters want to see stability and stability only comes when MPs are mature enough to uphold their allegiance,” the observer said.
