It was a gutter level tactic, says Parveen Kumar.

This is how the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport described the National Federation Party’s boycott of the opening of 2016-2017 Parliament Session by President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote.

Mr Kumar expressed disappointment while delivering his speech in Parliament yesterday.

National Federation Party leader and Opposition MP Biman Prasad said outside Parliament that Mr Kumar’s attack on the party reflected guilt.

Mr Prasad claimed Mr Kumar had received his political privilege whilst in their party and it was ironical for him to attack the party.

“I don’t know what happened when he joined FijiFirst, he is obviously feeling the heat from the National Federation Party,” he said.

Mr Kumar said it was laughable that the party’s leader, Biman Prasad accused the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama for wasting Parliamentary time by speaking out against their boycott.

Mr Kumar said the NFP had made a joke of themselves and their continued boycott of Parliament.

“Madam Speaker, may I remind them that this is where the action is and not in the pocket meetings.

“As the Honourable Prime Minister pointed out their behaviour was unworthy of party with a heritage of leaders who were first statesmen first, politicians later,” he said.

Mr Kumar said it was unfortunate the actions of the party and its leadership showed its sad demise from its once great leadership and membership.

Opposition MP and former SODELPA leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa declined to comment when approached yesterday.

Mr Kumar said both parties would go over their same drill once they turned up in Parliament.

“They are a party of preachers not politicians, and not good at either may I add,” Mr Kumar said.

He said people had showed their rejection for both the parties during the 2014 General Election where they had voted them out.

“They just can’t take the FijiFirst list of achievements and its immense popularity,” Mr Kumar said.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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