- Commissioner of Lands McNeil confirms he is exercising his democratic right and suing government over suspension
BY NED GAGAHE
Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil has confirmed that he is taking legal action against the Government over his recent suspension relating to allegations of fraud involving the Kongulai Water Plant land dealings.
McNeil made the revelation on Friday, December 12, 2025 during a press conference in Honiara, where he broke his silence for the first time since being suspended and subsequently reinstated just weeks apart.
He was suspended on November 13, 2025 by the Ministry of Public Service over serious allegations connected to parcel 191-064-1, the Kongulai water source land. The accusations included:
Fraudulent execution of the 2023 lease variation (RT Form 10) and the Memorandum of Agreement, alleging that deceased trustees were knowingly referenced in the documents.
Breach of a 2009 High Court Order (Civil Case No. 463 of 2009) in the manner the land transaction was handled.
Misrepresentation of a payment made by former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, which was alleged to have been presented as the final settlement for the 2023 lease agreement.
McNeil has publicly denied all allegations, describing them as baseless, procedurally flawed, and lacking any factual foundation.
He said he was never given an opportunity to respond before the suspension was imposed and insists he has “very strong evidence” to counter every claim.
When asked yesterday to comment further on the case, McNeil declined, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
“I’m not going to touch on that today; it’s still an ongoing matter because I have a claim in court against the government. So it’s a sensitive issue. That’s still not resolved yet,” he said.
Attorney General John Muria Jnr, when approached for the government’s position, also declined to comment, noting that the matter is now before the High Court.
McNeil confirmed his case is formally listed for February next year.
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