FIJI is more divided than ever before, says Deputy Opposition Leader Parveen Kumar.
Responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu opening speech of the 2025 Parliamentary Session, Mr Kumar criticised the Coalition’s efforts over the last two years and questioned if they had lived up to their 2022 General Election promises.
“The president outlined ambitious targets for economic recovery, social protection, security and sustainable development and then he envisioned a Fiji built on fairness, respect and opportunity for all,” Mr Kumar said.
“However, while we fully support these ideas, we must ask whether this Government has lived up to these promises since taking office in 2022.
“Despite the grand words of unity and progress, the reality on the ground paints a much weaker picture.
“Instead of fostering inclusivity, this Government has fuelled political polarisation, racial division and public distrust.”
He said the Coalition took office with the promise of transparency, fairness and national healing.
“Yet, they have done the exact opposite. They have failed to unite the people, and have instead used selective justice, targeted political revenge and institutional bias to drive their own agenda.
Mr Kumar acknowledged the president’s thought provoking speech but added he could not see a connection between words and the reality on the ground.
“Sentiments are great, but when it does not connect to the material realities on the ground in Fiji, then we as a nation are failing ourselves as leaders and failing the people we are leading.
“That is why we all have to work towards a shared vision, with an understanding in all of us that the best way to resolve and develop solutions to national issues that divide our communities is through dialogue and consensus building.”
