Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Friday that he would be meeting former FijiFirst and Opposition MPs this weekend. The 26 former FijiFirst MPs find themselves without a party following the recent de-registration of FijiFirst by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa.
Rabuka revealed that Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu had requested a group meeting with him. The scheduled meeting aims to address the Opposition MPs’ political status and explore how they can continue to fulfill their parliamentary duties.
“I’m meeting them this weekend. It’s just a group request from Mosese,” Rabuka stated. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister expressed his openness to various options, emphasizing the government’s dedication to open discussions as a means to address national issues collaboratively.
“Bulitavu is my nephew. We’ve been in communication since our time together in SODELPA, and it continues,” Rabuka added.
Meanwhile, former FijiFirst Opposition MP Aliki Bia, now serving as an Independent MP, has expressed his willingness to support the People’s Alliance/National Federation Party and SODELPA-led Coalition Government. Bia, a former journalist, stated on Friday that he is open to any responsibilities offered by Rabuka.
“I am open to any opportunity of responsibility offered by the Prime Minister,” Bia said. “I’ve consulted with my family and my voters. If I am offered opportunities to help govern the people of Fiji, I’ll be more than ready and willing to give my support.”
Bia joins other Opposition MPs including Penioni Ravunawa, Viliame Naupoto, Ketan Lal, Mosese Bulitavu, and Semi Koroilavesau.