SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Members of Parliament to put aside political divisions and work together to deliver long-awaited reforms, saying leadership should be measured by service rather than praise.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Wale said both the government and opposition have a responsibility to strengthen national development through constructive debate and accountability.
“This debate belongs to every Member of this House, government and opposition alike. Bring your sharpest questions and your best ideas,” he said.
The Prime Minister said scrutiny is essential to good governance but must be accompanied by the willingness to implement meaningful change.
“Accountability guarantees good government, it does not obstruct it. Scrutiny strengthens our democracy, but it must be matched with courage,” he said.
Wale urged Parliament to support a series of major reforms expected to come before the House, including constitutional amendments, land legislation and the restructuring of key resource sectors.
He said the people had elected leaders to pursue change rather than preserve outdated systems.
“The people did not send us here to protect the old ways. They sent us here to change them,” he said.
Wale also reminded Members of Parliament that their responsibility extends beyond passing legislation, stressing that public office is rooted in service to the people.
“We are not the masters of the people; we are their servants. We are not here to be praised; we are here to deliver,” he said.
Drawing on the national motto, To Lead is to Serve, Wale said the principle reflects both the Solomon Islands Constitution’s acknowledgement that the nation is founded under God and the biblical teaching in Mark 10:43–45, where leadership is defined through service to others.
He called on all parliamentarians to remain focused on delivering tangible outcomes for Solomon Islanders.
“Let us get to work,” he said.
