Opposition MP Jone Usamate sparked laughter in Parliament this week after joking that there was no cabinet space left for another minister, suggesting the only possible portfolio available would be “Minister for footpaths and flowers.”
The remark came during a heated exchange in the House as Usamate responded to earlier comments directed at opposition colleague Parveen Bala.
Usamate said there had been much discussion in Parliament about hypocrisy, referring to criticism levelled at Bala by some government members.
He also took aim at Assistant Minister for Justice Ratu Josaia Niudamu, who had earlier suggested Bala should consider joining the Government.
Addressing Niudamu, Usamate said there was no room in Cabinet for Bala even if he were to switch sides.
“I have to inform him, there is no more Cabinet seat available, honourable Niudamu,” Usamate said.
“So if honourable Bala goes, there is no seat for him unless he becomes the Minister for footpaths and flowers.”
The comment drew laughter from members in the chamber.
Usamate also criticised MPs who had previously entered Parliament under the FijiFirst banner but were now aligned with the Government.
“I find it immensely amusing that those who got into Parliament by being FijiFirst MPs now turn and bite the hand that got them there,” he said.
“No shame at all. Opportunists just taking their lollipops and trying to make their new masters happy.”
Earlier in his remarks, Usamate also questioned statements made by Sachida Nand, saying the MP should reflect on how he entered Parliament before criticising others.
“He should count himself lucky that he is here, because he only got in because someone left,” Usamate said.
