By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Non-Executive members of the Malaita Province have boycotted the opening of the Full Assembly meeting in Auki yesterday despite the need to pass the budget.
The reason for their boycott was unknown but it is believed to have linked to the recent failed motion of no confidence against Premier Daniel Suidani, which was withdrawn due to protest from the public.
Provincial Speaker Ronnie Butala confirmed the non-attendance of the non-executive members in the opening meeting.
He also said two members of the MARA government did not attend because they were sick.
As such, Butala adjourned the meeting for today to allow Premier Suidani to make his opening address.
He said after the Premier’s speech, there will be debate from the members.
Butala said there was no written statement from the non-executive members to inform him of their non-attendance of the meeting.
However, he said under the Standing Order, majority is needed to pass the budget.
Butala said currently the MARA government has 17 members which can allow them to pass the budget.
He said the budget did not go through the Public Account Committee for scrutiny because the members who are Non-Executive have resigned.
The meeting is expected to complete by Friday this week.
