The photo of the cake-cutting at the election campaign launch yesterday of Inia Seruiratu‘s People First party looked more like a wake than a celebration. And well it might because of one glaring omission – the absence of what many potential supporters would otherwise regard as the brightest star in its firmament.
Where was Premila? Yes, the former FijiFirst minister, Premila Kumar – one of Frank Bainimarama‘s best performers in government who stayed on in the parliament when Frank and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum took home their bat and ball after their election defeat. And stayed independent when others of her colleagues were bought off by Sitiveni Rabuka in solid allegiance with those who voted for her in 2022.
There was no sign of Premila at the People First launch yesterday and no sign of Premila when Frank Bainimarama’s new party, One Nation, launched last month. Does that mean that she has decided not to stand in the coming election? Or is she keeping her powder dry? Or has she been persuaded to part company with Seruiratu’s independents to join One Nation but hasn’t yet declared her hand?
Many Fijians will be keen to see where the skittles fall. Because there is no doubt that Premila Kumar has been one of the most effective performers in the Opposition – if not the most effective – during the whole sorry four years of Rolex Rambo’s rabble. And she would be a tremendous electoral asset to whichever party she joins, assuming she intends to remain in politics.
Inia Seruiratu has some interesting names among his first batch of candidates, including Sitiveni Weleilakeba, the high-flying former Fijian Holdings boss who has held top jobs in Fiji and Papua New Guinea and survived a torrid period in which he was charged, tried and cleared of corporate wrongdoing in PNG.
Less distinguished is the oleaginous former FijiFirst minister, Ashneel Sudhakar, who was sacked for alleged sexual harassment and whose belligerence in multiple public clashes – notably with Victor Lal – doesn’t make him an obvious choice for any party that wants to win an election.
More on all of this as the election countdown intensifies. But the People First line-up underlines the need for more candidates of quality to emerge in the coming weeks. God knows we need them, which is why it is of concern when someone of the calibre of Premila Kumar has yet to declare her hand.
From the Fiji Times…
And from CFL-Fiji Village…
But without the woman widely considered the most effective opposition MP during the past four years.
Plus a new name to watch – Apisai Moce – a man with a winning smile who is hoping the Fijian people choose a new generation of politicians and say “moce” to the old order.
No she was not, I know as someone who worked with her in the education sector. She was instrumental in the FijiFirst defeat putting off teachers en masse who voted for NFP especially Agni and Baimaan. Distance is your tyranny. Mine was Aiyaz who did not listen to me to sack her and Anjeela. GD get your tyres right.
Well as the old saying goes, you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time. The fact remains that no-one else in the current parliament has held the government to account like Premila. And for that alone, I think she deserves to be supported.
GD
Not an impressive line up of candidates for People First. On record non-performing members mostly in the current parliamentary set up, except Usamate.
Premila should align with a another party who share same ideologies as her.
These People First candidates are in their final phase of their political career believe me.
They existed through Bai votes anyway. On their own, they will be nowhere near Government Buildings after this election.
Their next place better would be after election at Ram Pati store mini parliament where they will be better utilized for hot gossip and abundance of grog to enjoy.
Yes, Premila is one of the few members of the opposition to hold the Government to account.
Her analysis of the Government budget and the facts speak for themselves, revenue does not even cover the operating cost of this Government. The spending, expansion of the Civil Service and a Cabinet larger than countries like Australia to govern less than 1 million people all point to overspending on a grand scale.
Will Premila run at the next election is a question many are asking. She like many of the former Fiji First was carried into office on the vote for Frank Bainimarama. So, it’s probable she will align with his party. As for Inia Seruiratu‘s People First party they seem to lack drive and vision and looked at their launch very sedate.
Interesting times ahead!
Look at it this way, last elections Sitiveni Rabuka received approx 75,000 votes.
Lets say, he receives anything over 50,000 or more since Bainimarama is out.
Not a single candidate from any other party will reach 20,000 as votes will be wasted, scattered and many Indo Fijians will not be voting. Only way to defeat Rabuka is some of these registered parties form a coalition, an itaukei should be the PM. Theres no other way to defeat Rabuka.
Agree. Assuming we proceed to the election under the current d’Hondt system, that is what is needed.