The People’s Alliance has hit back at the Fiji Labour Party, accusing it of focusing on personalities rather than solutions in its commentary on the country’s drug crisis.
In a statement released today, General Secretary Sila Balawa dismissed Labour’s criticism as “yet another desperate attempt to remain relevant in today’s political landscape.”
“This is a Party that is not in Parliament and has no mandate from the people. They offer criticism from the sidelines, without any responsibility to the Fijian people,” he said.
Mr Balawa praised law enforcement agencies for taking decisive action against officers found to be involved in drugs.
“The fact that our own officers who betray the trust of the people are being caught shows a system that is working, not one that is failing. No one is above the law, and we commend the Fiji Police Force for acting decisively to clean house,” he said.
He accused Labour of ignoring the roots of the drug problem, stating, “The drug crisis did not emerge overnight. It grew unchecked during decades of poor leadership and weak enforcement under previous administrations. Instead of acknowledging this, they seek cheap political points.”
Mr Balawa also highlighted the Coalition Government’s efforts to strengthen accountability.
“We have shown we are not afraid to take action, whether through the Commission of Inquiry, changes in leadership at FICAC, or reforms across law enforcement. We are strengthening institutions, not undermining them.”
On Labour’s focus on individual politicians, he said bluntly, “their selective attacks reveal more about their obsession with personalities than their concern for solutions.”
“The drug crisis is a national issue, not a political football. We invite all responsible citizens, including political parties, to work together in supporting enforcement efforts, rather than undermining them with baseless attacks.”
