Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports Parveen Bala says National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad needs to move on from the 1997 Constitution.

During his speech in Parliament yesterday Mr Prasad had claimed that Mr Bala made remarks that was typical of the way Government behaved during debates.

Mr Bala had asked whether NFP had entered into a coalition agreement with Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) at midnight on election night.

Mr Prasad responded to Mr Bala saying they did not. Furthermore, he asked Mr Bala why he would ask such a silly question.

Mr Prasad labelled Mr Bala as a “Millennial Mayor” who accused SODELPA of being greedy for wanting to reinstate the 1997 Constitution, which Mr Bala had praised during his stint as Ba Mayor.

“So, what did our Millennial May- or say 12 years ago about the 1997 Constitution, Madam Speaker? A concept which must not be allowed to fail. A concept which allows us all to embrace our shared future,”Mr Prasad said.

“And now, Madam Speaker, our Millennial Mayor is happy to serve and sing praises of his leader – the very person who led the overthrow of that Constitution and that multi- party Cabinet!”

Speaking to Fiji Sun outside Parliament, Mr Bala did not deny making those remarks.

“I do not deny it because at that point in time I was comparing the 1997 Constitution with the 1990 Constitution,” Mr Bala said.

“The whole world knows that the 1997 Constitution was better than the 1990 Constitution, but we have moved on. Now we have the 2013 Constitution, which is better than 1997 Constitution.

“I think the guy is stuck there. He needs to move on.”

Mr Prasad also stated that it was difficult for him to acknowledge President Jioji Konrote for his address, which is tradition during debate on Parliament opening.

“I respect our President. Just as you symbolise the unity of Parliament, His Excellency should at all  times symbolise the unity of our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation,” he said. “He does not get involved in politics. His job is to give to Parliament the address prepared for him by the Government.

“But I agree with my Opposition colleagues. Those who prepared his address were far gracious. And they should not have put him in the position of giving a speech that was a continuation of the First Fiji Party election campaign.”

Mr Prasad sang glowing praises of his opponents SODELPA saying they work together as the Opposition to make Fiji a better country.

He urged Government to talk about building national unity instead of airing personal  grievances about the 1987 coup.

“Just as all the violence and lawlessness of 2006 is history. So, talk instead about how you will build national unity and make Fiji a better place.”

 Edited by Naisa Koroi