Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad says he does not rejoice in the downfall of FijiFirst.
Speaking on The Lens @177 this week, Prof Prasad noted that the Coalition Government had embraced a very open, democratic style of governance, both in Parliament and outside of it.
He mentioned that this approach was already in place before the FijiFirst party was deregistered.
“Even before we reached this point, Parliament became a forum for good debate, collegiality, and inter-party discussion beyond its walls,” Prof Prasad said.
“I was able to share platforms with the Leader of the Opposition at a conference, and after the last budget, I sent my permanent secretary and staff to meet with the Opposition without my presence.
“I believe that the Opposition members felt very comfortable. So, this new scenario is not surprising, as many of them now feel free and have openly spoken about it.
“Now, everyone feels that freedom, and I do not rejoice in the downfall of FijiFirst.”
Prof Prasad suggested that members might need to explain the party’s collapse, but he firmly believed that FijiFirst was never a political party.
“I have previously stated that it was never a political party. They never held an AGM, never had a party working committee or management board like other political parties.
“So, it is not surprising that the party has ended up this way. However, there are very good people in the Opposition.
“These are people with whom we, as a government, can work.”
He added that the circumstances might lead to new political scenarios between now and the next election, but he had the full confidence of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.