Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) general secretary Viliame Takayawa has dismissed speculation that the recently advertised vacancy for his role is linked to his controversial Facebook post.
He said his contract ends at the end of this month and that the call for applications was a routine administrative process within the party.
“This has nothing to do with the recent incidents,” Mr Takayawa said.
The post in question, which accused members of a Government delegation to Tonga of “partying” rather than engaging with the Fijian diaspora, was widely condemned and sparked tensions within the ruling coalition.
Mr Takayawa has since apologised, saying the remarks were based on second-hand accounts and made in a personal capacity.
Addressing public speculation, he criticised what he described as a focus on “childish” issues.
“We find the current happenings childish… it’s just something on social media.
“It’s not going to reduce food or the cost of living or anything like that. Maybe they (those who speculate) should get a hobby, like planting in their backyard or something useful, rather than talking about something that doesn’t contribute to nation building.”
He said the party’s management board, which is expected to meet soon, remains focused on more pressing national issues such as the cost of living.
“We are discussing the budget. We are discussing things that will affect people. We are not discussing people.
“The management board is higher than that. We are mature people and we are thinking of the people.”
Mr Takayawa also reaffirmed his commitment to SODELPA, indicating that he has no intention of leaving the party.
