A statement revealed that the commitment is in support of the Opposition's candidate for the election of a new Prime Minister.

Mr. Soalaoi, in doing so, urged his colleagues who defected to do likewise.

The caretaker Health Minister said he now realized that the defection of his government colleague MPs to the Opposition bench was beyond the simple objective to remove Manasseh Sogavare from the post of Prime Minister.

In announcing his move today, Mr. Soalaoi said he felt obliged to denounce his affiliation with the Opposition to save his personal integrity and to reaffirm his loyalty to the Grand Coalition for Change Government.

"I am unable to accept a political compromise that disrespects traditional conventions in dictating the choice and selection of the ideal candidate for prime minister from outside places," Mr. Forau said.

He respectfully requested former colleagues to review their original reasons for their defection and consider rejoining the GCC government to lead the nation.