Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu has voiced concerns that former FijiFirst parliamentarians attribute the downfall of ex-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to former Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. This statement comes in light of comments made by Bloc 16 and Opposition MP Jone Usamate, who labeled Sayed-Khaiyum a hypocrite. Bulitavu suggested that these remarks highlight the discontent among the G16 members in Parliament towards Sayed-Khaiyum and their desire to distance themselves from him politically.
Bulitavu further elaborated that many senior figures within the previous FijiFirst government provided valuable guidance to Bainimarama but often found their input disregarded due to Sayed-Khaiyum’s dominating presence. He pointed out a key change under the current Coalition government, noting that individual ministers now have the autonomy to present their Bills, a departure from the previous administration where Sayed-Khaiyum overshadowed other ministers by introducing all legislative proposals.
He emphasized that some believed Sayed-Khaiyum’s advice led Bainimarama to ignore inputs from the Military Council. According to Bulitavu, the current military leadership appears to be committed to a path of restoration and reconciliation, a direction he claims was not supported by Bainimarama due to misguided counsel.
Bulitavu commended Usamate for his candid remarks and noted that as Opposition Whip, Usamate’s words resonate strongly within their faction, signaling a united front against what they perceive as a problematic leadership style from Sayed-Khaiyum.
The dialogue among the opposition reflects a broader movement towards reform and accountability in Fijian politics, signaling a potential shift in how governance may be approached moving forward.
In summary, Bulitavu’s criticism of Sayed-Khaiyum reveals deep-seated grievances among former FijiFirst members and suggests a desire for more collaborative and independent governance in the current political landscape.
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