Nine members formerly affiliated with the FijiFirst party have expressed their support for the Prime Minister following a closed-door meeting at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. The members include Mosese Bulitavu, Aliki Bia, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Penioni Ravunawa, Ioane Naivalurua, Naisa Tuinaceva, Alipate Tuicolo, Taito Rokomatu, and Viliame Naupoto, who was excused from the meeting.
Mr. Bulitavu stated that the group will support the Prime Minister as “cross-bench MPs” and aims to align their narrative, especially regarding the budget, with the Prime Minister’s positions. He mentioned that their speeches would be consistent with the Prime Minister’s stance.
“We’ll be supporting the Prime Minister and probably act as a third block in Parliament. We are yet to notify the Speaker, which will be done through a letter tomorrow,” Bulitavu said.
He also indicated the potential for two more Opposition members to join their group.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed that the eight members have pledged their support to him. “They have indicated their support as Independents,” said Rabuka. “We were considering the various scenarios ahead of them as they move forward as an independent body.”