The few rich people who are cronies of the Government have become richer while the majority of our citizens are suffering and left behind, says Opposition leader Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
He said this while delivering his response to the 2022-2023 budget in Parliament yesterday where he called on Fijians to unite and work together towards a common goal.
“We must continue to value, embrace and recognise our differences of strength — that we must continue to nurture and build on them to have a united and cohesive society rather than one dominating the other or allow the philosophies in the sunset clause to determine our destiny,” Ratu Naiqama said.
He said after the 2018 polls, his predecessor Sitiveni Rabuka had on many occasions, reached out and urged Government to work together via bipartisanship.
“Basically the suggestion is based on the premise of our vulnerability status and an anticipation of future shocks such as the regular occurrence in high intensity of natural disasters.”
Ratu Naiqama said numerous calls by the Opposition for bipartisan cooperation were rejected by the FijiFirst Government.
“On almost all occasions — motions and petitions and alternatives recommended by this side of the House have been rejected outright or totally ignored. Ratu Naiqama said because of the unwillingness of the FijiFirst Government to foster a partnership and consensus building, Fiji was now experiencing more social and political division and mistrust in the country.
“The results of fear mongering tactics and lack of transparency the current Government has created division among our different communities which has led to the overall lack of confidence and disunity in the country.”
