Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Friday that he would be meeting former FijiFirst and Opposition MPs this weekend. The 26 former FijiFirst MPs are partyless after the political party was recently de-registered by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa.
The meeting, requested by Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu, aims to address the MPs’ political status and their parliamentary duties. “I’m meeting them this weekend. It’s just a group request from Mo (Mosese),” Mr. Rabuka stated.
Earlier this week, Mr. Rabuka expressed openness to various options and emphasized the Government’s commitment to open discussions as a means to collaborate on national issues. “Bulitavu is my nephew; we’ve been communicating since our time together in SODELPA and it continues,” he 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 SODELPA-led Coalition Government. The former journalist mentioned on Friday that he is open to any responsibility offered by Mr. Rabuka. “I am open to any opportunity of responsibility offered by the Prime Minister,” Mr. Bia said. “I’ve consulted with my family and my voters. If I am offered opportunities to help Government govern the people of Fiji, I’ll be more than ready and willing to give my support.”
Mr. Bia joins other Opposition MPs such as Penioni Ravunawa, Viliame Naupoto, Ketan Lal, Mosese Bulitavu, and Semi Koroilavesau.