Vosarogo challenges opposition to move no-confidence motion against PM

Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo has challenged Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu to move a motion of no confidence in Parliament if he believes Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should step aside, saying that is the only lawful avenue available to him.

Mr Vosarogo was responding to a statement by Mr Seruiratu calling on the Prime Minister to step aside if he was serious about accountability, as the Government signals it will appeal a High Court ruling on the dismissal of former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Barbara Malimali.

Mr Seruiratu said Mr Rabuka should take guidance from the precedent set by Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica and immediately step aside as Prime Minister while the appeal process is under way.

“The only way he could make that call is by moving a motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister on the floor of parliament,” Mr Vosarogo said.

“I challenge the Leader of Opposition to move that motion and see for himself the support that the Prime Minister has. He just needs to make sure that his own group vote with him.”

Mr Vosarogo said the Opposition Leader’s public comments were based on a misunderstanding of both the legal process and the political reality.

He said that although the Prime Minister had indicated resignation was an option, no appeal had yet been filed.

“Mr Seruiratu should understand that even if the Prime Minister had indicated, no appeal has been filed. It is within the appeal period and as mentioned today in the media session, the Prime Minister is considering the advice he is being offered,” he said.

“So, there is no such thing as an appeal on foot at the time of his media release.”

Mr Vosarogo also rejected comparisons with former deputy prime ministers, saying the Prime Minister was not facing any criminal charge.

“Secondly, the Prime Minister faces no criminal charge. Using the two former Deputy Prime Ministers as examples lacks simple understanding of the difference between criminal law and in this case, public/administrative law,” he said.

“That understanding should be basic at Leader of Opposition level.”

He said the Prime Minister continued to have the full support of Cabinet and the People’s Alliance Party.

“The Leader of Opposition should accept that generally, he is in no position to call for the Prime Minister to step aside,” Mr Vosarogo said.

“The Prime Minister has the full backing of Cabinet. He also has the full backing of the People’s Alliance Party.”

Mr Vosarogo went on to question the Opposition Leader’s mandate and parliamentary numbers, arguing that the arithmetic did not support his position.

“We know that their tenancy in parliament is preserved by default. The law actually preserves their tenure despite the party that brought them in is now deregistered,” he said.

“But for argument’s sake, the math can be entertaining.”

He outlined his assessment of the Opposition Leader’s numbers in Parliament and electoral support.

“Let us say, at best, 11 present members of parliament are with him,” Mr Vosarogo said.

“The Leader of Opposition had just over 1,000 votes. To be precise, 1,221.”

“He is demanding that the Prime Minister, who polled 77,748, to step aside. Hardly would have brought himself to parliament, let alone bring others under the D’Hondt system.”

Mr Vosarogo said the Opposition Leader’s group no longer had the mandate required to maintain their parliamentary standing after publicly severing ties with their former party leadership.

“The group led by the Leader of Opposition don’t have the mandate of 5 per cent of the votes cast to maintain their places in parliament,” he said.

“Why should the LOP group continue to enjoy the passage and privilege that the two former leaders of Fiji First provided them?” he asked.

“Can we call on you to step aside (with your group) from parliament? I am sure you don’t have the confidence of your former leaders, party or no party?”