Independent MPs Pledge Support to PM Rabuka
Mr Rabuka said should the nine MPs be not included in the Opposition Caucus meetings, then a separate facility would be provided for them.
Tuesday 09 July 2024 | 12:04
Independent Members of Parliament Inoke Niudamu, left, and Aliki Bia, Independent Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu and Independent Members of Parliament Penioni Ravunawa, left, and Ioane Naivalurua in Parliament on Monday, July 8, 2024. Photos: Leon Lord
The nine (9) Independent Members of Parliament who have pledged their support to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, did not make any demands for any positions within Cabinet.
They met Mr Rabuka on Sunday afternoon.
Mosese Bulitavu, one of the nine MPs, said they met the PM “with clean hands, no demands, just straight up declaring our support for Government”.
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“Given my capacity as an Opposition member, a few of the Independent MPs approached me with the view in supporting this Government. We made a decision to be independent members supporting him,” Mr Bulitavu said.
“We are crossbenchers. We’re a third block in Parliament. You have the Government, the Opposition and then you have the Opposition supporting the PM,” he said.
“On the idea of joining another political party, the rules aren’t clear right now. We might need to wait for an interpretation from the Court on that because it’s not in the Constitution. At the moment, we will remain as the third block.”
Mr Rabuka said should the nine MPs be not included in the Opposition Caucus meetings, then a separate facility would be provided for them.
Meanwhile, Independent MP Aliki Bia, who also pledged his support for the PM, said should Mr Rabuka offer them opportunities to assist Government in governing the people of Fiji, they would do so.
No threat to Coalition Government, Says Prime Minister Rabuka
The nine Independent Members of Parliament pledging their support for Government does not threaten the coalition in any way.
That is the assurance from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
He assured that the nine MPs would continue to participate in the parliamentary debate and processes and would advocate on what they believe was in the best interest of the people.
Mr Rabuka said there were no demands from the Independent MPs or agreement between him and the nine. He said the review of the 2013 Constitution could now be considered.
“The coalition is as strong as it has always been,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The leaders of NFP and SODELPA welcomed the idea.”
Social Democratic Liberal Party leader Aseri Radrodro said they welcomed the idea of support from the Independent MPs. We are also happy with the coalition and it is strong, Mr Radrodro said.
National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad shared similar sentiments.
Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj
