WAS it a move to consolidate the power of the People’s Alliance Party?
That’s the question being asked after six independent MPs were awarded ministerial and assistant ministerial portfolios.
However, former opposition leader and political commentator Mick Beddoes says the decision marks one of two possibilities, the first of which is outlined above.
“I have not paid much attention to this matter at this time, but my immediate reaction is that it signifies one of two things,” Mr Beddoes said.
“First, there is no more fight left in the remaining (former) FijiFirst members. From a political standpoint, despite the collapse of their party for reasons we are yet to uncover, they still remain the largest political grouping in Parliament with 26 seats versus PAP’s 21, NFP’s five and SODELPA’s three.
“So, with a little effort, they could have used the solid platform they had with 26 members from which to relaunch with a new direction, but they did not, and like their leaders who all resigned in quick succession, they too abandoned their obligations to their 200,248 voters.”
Mr Beddoes said the other possibility was whether the move signified PAP’s efforts to consolidate its position.
“Fair enough, although if that is what it is, then the (former) FFP nine members have struck a good deal, securing three ministries and three deputy ministers out of the nine crossing the floor with just 7544 votes between them, assuming their voters remain loyal to them.”
The six who have taken up new portfolios are Ioane Naivalurua (Minister for Policing), Viliame Naupoto (Minister for Immigration), Mosese Bulitavu (Minister for Environment and Climate Change), Aliki Bia (Assistant Minister for Information), Naisa Tuinaceva (Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services) and Ratu Josaia Niudamu (Assistant Minister for Justice).
