Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Friday that he will be meeting with former FijiFirst and Opposition MPs this weekend. The 26 former FijiFirst MPs are currently without a party following the recent de-registration of FijiFirst by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa.
Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu requested a group audience with Mr. Rabuka, which is set to take place this weekend. The meeting highlights the political status of the Opposition MPs and how they can effectively fulfill their parliamentary duties. “I’m meeting them this weekend. It’s just a group request from Mo (Mosese),” Mr. Rabuka stated.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister expressed his openness to various options and emphasized the government’s commitment to open dialogue as a means to collaborate on national issues. “Bulitavu is my nephew, we’ve been communicating since our time together in SODELPA and this continues,” Mr. Rabuka added.
Meanwhile, former FijiFirst Opposition MP Aliki Bia, now an Independent MP, expressed his willingness to support The People’s Alliance/National Federation Party and the SODELPA-led Coalition Government. The former journalist shared on Friday that he is open to any responsibilities offered by Mr. Rabuka. “I am open to any opportunity of responsibility offered by the Prime Minister,” Mr. Bia said. He also mentioned that he has consulted with his family and voters regarding this matter. “If I am offered opportunities to help the government govern the people of Fiji, I’ll be more than ready and willing to give my support,” he added.
Mr. Bia joins other Opposition MPs, including Penioni Ravunawa, Viliame Naupoto, Ketan Lal, Mosese Bulitavu, and Semi Koroilavesau.