Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has declared a breach of trust within his coalition, warning “the bubble has been burst” after a senior SODELPA official publicly attacked Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica.
Mr Rabuka said the coalition’s foundation of mutual respect had been rocked by the outburst from SODELPA general secretary Viliame Takayawa, adding that trust “is no longer there”.
While SODELPA remains in the coalition, the Prime Minister confirmed future dealings would be handled with caution.
He warned that repeated breaches would not be tolerated. “The spirit of the coalition relied on mutual respect,” Mr Rabuka said.
“For a senior party official to attack another leader shows that trust is no longer there.”
He confirmed the Government would now proceed with caution in dealings with SODELPA, though they remain coalition partners.
“They’re still part of the coalition, but our priority is delivering for the people of Fiji and ensuring we complete our term.”
Mr Rabuka issued a clear warning to Mr Takayawa that repeated breaches would not be tolerated.
“If it happens again, it means the apology wasn’t genuine.”
The Prime Minister stressed the coalition was founded on trust and cooperation.
“We placed our faith in him, and in return, we expected everyone to respect the spirit of the coalition. You cannot keep breaking the rules.”
He said the ground rules were already in place – and they won’t be changed to accommodate repeated defiance.
“You lay down the rules. You don’t keep shifting the goalposts because someone can’t follow them.”
He urged ministers and assistant ministers to work harder to uphold the coalition’s unity.
“We want to hold the coalition together. We want to finish what we started.”
Asked if he still trusted his ministers, Mr Rabuka said they were capable but warned that anyone who damaged the government’s image would face close scrutiny.
“Unity is critical. We cannot serve the people if we’re divided.”
