THE National Federation Party will remain in the Coalition Government despite refusing to support the extended Constitution amendment process, with party leader Professor Biman Prasad insisting there is no reason for its two Cabinet ministers to step down from their ministerial positions.
Professor Prasad said NFP’s disagreement with The People’s Alliance over the constitutional process did not mean the party was withdrawing from the Coalition Government.
“We remain a part of the Coalition Government – but on this issue we disagree with The People’s Alliance Party,” he said.
Responding to questions following his announcement in Parliament on Monday, Prof Prasad said coalition partners were not expected to agree on every issue.
“The point of a governing coalition is that each party who is part of it brings to the coalition its own political positions and views.
“This ensures that a diversity of political viewpoints are represented in the government.
“We are not required to agree on everything.”
Asked whether the National Federation Party MPs holding ministerial positions would resign to demonstrate the party’s opposition, Prof Prasad said, “No and we are not asking them to.”
He said the two NFP ministers were performing well in their portfolios and working harmoniously with colleagues from other political parties.
“There is no reason for these arrangements to change.”
Prof Prasad said the Coalition Agreement allowed partners to respectfully disagree on certain issues.
“Our Coalition Agreement entitles us to respectfully disagree with our coalition partners when required.”
He rejected suggestions that the disagreement represented a deeper breakdown in the coalition, saying NFP did not practise confrontation or political theatrics for mileage.
“In our words and actions, we try always to think of what is in the best interests of the people.”
