Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced on Friday that he will be meeting with former FijiFirst and Opposition MPs this weekend. This follows the recent deregistration of the FijiFirst political party by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, leaving 26 former MPs without a party.
Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu facilitated the group request for the meeting, which is set for this weekend. Rabuka emphasized the meeting’s importance in discussing the political status of the Opposition MPs and their parliamentary roles.
“It’s just a group request from Mo (Mosese),” Rabuka stated. Earlier in the week, he expressed his openness to various options and highlighted the government’s commitment to open discussions for national collaboration. Rabuka also noted his ongoing communication with Bulitavu, whom he referred to as his nephew.
In the meantime, former FijiFirst Opposition MP Aliki Bia, now 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, said he is open to any responsibilities offered by Rabuka.
“I am open to any opportunity of responsibility offered by the Prime Minister,” Bia confirmed. “I’ve consulted with my family and my voters. 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.”
Bia joins other Opposition MPs including Penioni Ravunawa, Viliame Naupoto, Ketan Lal, Mosese Bulitavu, and Semi Koroilavesau.