Bulitavu backs PM, confident of political future

Minister for Rural, Maritime and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu has reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, saying he remains confident about his political future ahead of the next General Election.

Speaking to this masthead, Mr Bulitavu said he continued to acknowledge and support the Prime Minister and the work of the Coalition Government.

He said he was satisfied with the initiatives undertaken by the Government and was grateful for the opportunity to contribute as a minister.

“I believe I am in a stronger position now than I was in previous years,” Mr Bulitavu said.

While he declined to disclose which political party he intended to join or contest the election under, Mr Bulitavu said the next general election could present the strongest opportunity yet for a party capable of forming government.

He acknowledged that his daughter had been actively involved in People’s Alliance Party activities in support of its efforts but stressed that his own political plans would remain private for now.

The former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and FijiFirst parliamentarian said Fiji’s political landscape was evolving and remained unpredictable.

He encouraged young people and mature adults with good character and a strong national mindset to consider entering politics.

Mr Bulitavu also called for respect and recognition of past ministers and governments, urging the public to appreciate the different challenges faced by administrations during their respective terms.

He has won a parliamentary seat in every election he has contested — under SODELPA in 2014 and 2018, and FijiFirst in 2022.

Mr Bulitavu said he hoped his service to the people during his time as a minister in the Coalition Government would be recognised and translate into continued voter support.

Following his appointment as Minister for Rural, Maritime and Disaster Management on January 19, Mr Bulitavu acknowledged the work of his predecessor, Sakiasi Ditoka.

He said much of the groundwork for ongoing developments had already been laid and that he intended to build on that momentum.

Mr Bulitavu also urged the public not to be influenced by negative or false information circulated by critics to undermine the Government’s work.

“Every government has its ups and downs, but we come back stronger,” he said.