The National Federation Party (NFP) has alleged a “deliberate and coordinated conspiracy” aimed at destabilising the coalition government and damaging relations between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad.
NFP General Secretary Kamal Iyer said the party became aware of the matter after the Prime Minister received an email on Thursday from an Australian citizen claiming that Professor Prasad was blaming the PM for his possible removal from Cabinet.
“We are thankful to the Prime Minister who, as a matter of courtesy, forwarded the email to Professor Prasad and the party,” Mr Iyer said.
“It is now clear that this email is part of a wider conspiracy involving certain individuals in Fiji and abroad, designed to sow mistrust and create division within the coalition.”
He said the allegations contained in the email were “malicious, fabricated and filled with lies.”
“This is an act of conspiracy intended to spread contempt and derail the work of the coalition government. It is as repugnant as it is despicable.”
Mr Iyer stressed that neither Professor Prasad nor the NFP had any recent contact with former party president Tupou Draunidalo, contrary to what was suggested in the email.
“Neither the party nor its leader has had any form of communication with Ms. Draunidalo since March 2017,” he said.
“She resigned from the party and as a Member of Parliament in January 2017, and there has been no correspondence since.”
He said the email appeared designed to “drive a wedge” between the Prime Minister and the NFP leader by fabricating a story that Professor Prasad was planning to turn other NFP ministers against the PM.
“This entire episode is a political smear campaign that seeks to fracture the unity of the coalition and undermine public confidence in its leadership.”
The NFP General Secretary said the incident raised “serious questions” about how sensitive information regarding ongoing matters was being accessed and shared.
“It is deeply concerning that individuals outside Fiji appear to have foreknowledge of confidential developments,” he said.
“This suggests leaks and coordinated attempts to manipulate public perception.”
He added that the party would not be distracted by “foreign instigators or local accomplices” intent on creating instability.
“Those conspiring to destabilise this government will ultimately drown in the cesspool of their own lies. The NFP remains fully committed to the coalition partnership, to democratic governance, and to serving the people of Fiji with integrity.”
The NFP has called on all Fijians to remain vigilant against misinformation and politically motivated attempts to divide the nation.
