Narube Hits Back at Prasad’s Criticism

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has fired back following a scathing response from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, over his recent comments at the Climate Integrity Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Mr Narube accused Mr Prasad of resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing the serious issues he raised regarding Fiji’s economic management and international climate representation.

Mr Narube, at a press conference yesterday in response to the Mr Prasad’s accusations, condemned the use of the Public Order Act threat as a means to stifle criticism.

“The threat to use the draconian Public Order Act by the Deputy Prime Minister is a serious issue for the country and to the Government. It warrants a clarification by the Prime Minister,” he said.

He urged the government not to return to ‘the dark days of the FijiFirst government’.

Tighter control

In his speech at the conference in Canberra, Mr Narube had called for better prioritisation of resources and tighter controls on the use of international aid.

He said contrary to claims by Mr Prasad, he said that his call was not for a reduction in Australia’s aid but for ensuring it was spent more wisely.

“I urged the Australians to do two things: increase their assistance to Fiji, especially on climate change, and ensure that their assistance is spent on the right priorities,”Mr Narube clarified.

Mr Narube also took aim at the size and cost of Fiji’s delegations to international climate summits, particularly the COP conferences.

While defending his criticisms, Mr Narube also took issue with the government’s portrayal of his intentions.

“Rather than try to muzzle the messenger, the Minister for Finance would do well to draw on people’s views to improve his performance,” he said.

Mr Prasad had earlier blasted Mr Narube for suggesting that Australia review its budget support to Fiji.

Undermine economy

Mr Prasad labeled Mr Narube’s claims as “baseless” and “outrageous,” accusing him of trying to undermine the country’s economy.

He refuted Mr Narube’s claim about the delegation size, clarifying that the official delegation was 56, not 100, and that the majority of the $1.2 million cost had been funded by external donors, not the Fijian government.

The Deputy Prime Minister also criticised Mr Narube for his lack of experience at climate conferences, contrasting him with the previous government’s controversial actions, including the award of a multi-million-dollar public relations contract during COP23.

Mr Prasad said that the Coalition Government had worked transparently with donors to cover the costs of international delegations.

While the spat between the two leaders escalated, Mr Narube insisted that his critique was aimed at addressing issues that directly impacted the people of Fiji.

He added, “Fiji must get its priorities right. Families are suffering because of our poor priorities. If we put people first, we will never go wrong.”

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