Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has welcomed a High Court decision to quash a Parliamentary Entitlement Commission resolution to award 7,000 US dollars to spouses of members of Parliament.
In his ruling, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer had declared that the Commission acted beyond its constitutional powers by awarding the spouse terminal grant.
Sir Albert also declared that the Commission acted beyond its constitutional powers by backdating the money to 1st April 2009.
The Prime Minister says the government's move to challenge the award points out his government's non involvement in the Commission's decision
Dr Sikua has instructed the Attorney General, Gabriel Suri to challenge the constitutionality of the decision following a massive public outcry.
He says the government's move to challenge the award points out his government's non involvement in the Commission's decision.
Dr Sikua called on people to understand that although the Constitution gives the Prime Minister the right to appoint the Chairman and two other members of the Commission - neither he nor the Government was involved in the Commission decision.