12 Aug 2005

Malaita Forum questions RAMSI role in Solomons investment bill

4:25 pm on 12 August 2005

In Solomon Islands, a Malaitan group called the Ma'asina Forum is questioning why the Special Co-ordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission is pushing for the Foreign Investment Bill to be enacted.

The group describes James Batley's call earlier this week in support of the bill as agitation and accuses him of pursuing the interests of Australia.

It says the Solomons people didn't elect Mr Batley to be the voice of the country.

The group says if Mr Batley is bullying the Prime Minister and the MPs to pass the Bill, they might as well renounce their citizenship of what they call an Australian colony.

It says democratic government is a charade and what is the point of spending millions on national elections when those elected are governed by others in deciding what is or is not in their national interest.

The group says if Mr Batley orchestrates another sitting of parliament to pass the Bill, they will lead protest marches and have the legislation repealed.