The “silent 25” has enough firepower and experience to keep Government in check.
This, according to Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, who responded to questions regarding accusations that FijiFirst was always a “twoman” party. Critics have also dubbed members of FijiFirst in Parliament as the “silent 25”, but Mr Seruiratu said they were focused on their duty to hold Government to account, instead of dwelling on flowery epithets.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online news portal The Lens@177 this week, he said that when a candidate was selected as a Cabinet Minister, they were given their responsibilities.
“We have always been accused of being the twopeople led government or whatever it is,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“When you come into government, when you are selected as a Cabinet Minister, once you get sworn in, you are given your responsibility over your portfolios and that comes with the Acts.
“But that is the fact. You are given your ministerial responsibilities after swearing in, the Acts and everything that comes with it, but in the end, you have to accept the authority that comes from the leadership because you are part of that institution and of course, you have to respect the (leadership), being in leadership is not easy.”
He said that despite being labeled the “silent 25”, but they would use their “firepower and ammunition” and experience to keep the Government in check to the best of their ability.
“So, despite being accused of this two-people led government, we are a team. We are strong, we are cohesive, we are united and that remains despite all this.
“We have now probably only one or two that are dominating from the other side (Government side) as well.
“I have stated this from the very beginning, I hope that they learn quickly and adapt as well.
“It’s always easy to be in the Opposition, fellas. But I always say this, this is the message that I’m giving to our caucus, ‘always speak responsibly, words will haunt you’.
“So, ensure that when you speak in Parliament, always talk facts, always speak the truth because character is what defines us.”
