Former FijiFirst Party member Viliame Naupoto spoke in the Parliamentary chamber for the first time as a crossbench Member of Parliament today. He expressed his support for the 2024-25 National Budget and addressed the circumstances that led to his current position in Parliament. Naupoto attributed the situation to his decision in Parliament, which he does not regret, as well as decisions made by others outside Parliament.
MPs who are not affiliated with either the Government or the Opposition sit on the crossbench.
“Let me at the outset say, that the decisions made outside of this Parliament were theirs to make which I respect, and the reasoning behind their decisions, I will not question,” Naupoto stated.
“I have accepted the situation I am in, and I will move on as a crossbench Member of Parliament for the remainder of this Parliament term.”
Reflecting on his status, Naupoto added, “I have made my choice also, and as the saying goes ‘You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequence of your choice.’ That, I understand very well.”
Despite the circumstances, Naupoto expressed a sense of freedom in his new role. He highlighted the freedom to exercise his own judgment, consult with other MPs across the floor, and work collaboratively to serve the citizens well.
“Today is a new start for me,” he said.
“Democracy is only partly about votes and Legislature, but democracy is mostly about human encounter and interaction. It’s about arguing, debating, and compromising with different people who may have different beliefs and political affiliations. It’s about learning to respect, admire, and show reverence to others even if their perspectives are radically different from our own.”
Naupoto criticized the divisive politics characterized by an “Us vs. Them” mentality, calling it a form of politics that breeds anger and hatred. He stressed that such attitudes are harmful examples for the multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society they serve.