And so, as expected, the party with the most number of seats in the parliament is no more – the once mighty FijiFirst dead and buried and its remaining MPs merely to decide whether they will stick together as an informal bloc of independents in the parliament or join Sitiveni Rabuka in government.
Today’s de-registration of the party Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum formed to lead the country back to parliamentary rule 10 years ago will be greeted with glee by their opponents but it is a tragedy for the nation because we no longer have a viable opposition to keep the Coalition honest. Instead of being watchdogs to prevent the excesses of the wobbly “three legged stool”, the former FijiFirst MPs are now for sale to the highest bidder.
The one hope is that the more responsible of them – men like Inia Seruiratu, Viliame Naupoto, Ioane Naivalurua, Semi Korolavisau, Jone Usamate and Faiyaz Koya and a woman of conscience in the form of Premila Kumar choose to remain as independent watchdogs rather than be bought off with cabinet positions by Sitiveni Rabuka. Alas, the former military men and Usamate have already failed a basic test of integrity by voting for parliament’s emoluments increases in defiance of the party’s instructions. But there is a fresh opportunity for them to demonstrate integrity and let’s hope they take it. Because the alternative is no brake at all on a government that is already out of control.
The notion of a government of national unity is absurd when Fiji isn’t at war or facing any other existential threat. We desperately NEED an opposition or the next two and a half years to a fresh election in 2026 threatens to be one disaster after another from a government that already lacks basic discipline and even a skerrick of regard for the common good.
So please, Inia and your former team. Stick together as independents and keep the bastards honest. That is what the nation installed you to do at the last election 18 months ago and that’s what we look to you to do now. It will be very tempting for you to accept the blandishments of the Prime Minister to join him in government. But remember he is only doing so to rid himself of the encumbrance of his Coalition partners and be able to govern unrestrained.
While It would be craven for him to offer you the carrots of highly paid ministerial positions, it would be much more craven for you to accept them. Please do not betray the majority of Fijians who voted for FijiFirst. And please uphold FijiFirst’s guiding principles of a common and equal citizenry, a common identity and a secular state. Because they are not only what you stood for at the last election but are the best way forward for Fiji – one nation with equal opportunity for all.
As independents, you can strive to uphold these principles and work towards forming another political party to contest the next election with policies that earned you more votes in the 2022 election than any other party. But if you choose to join the current government, it will be a capitulation and a betrayal of principle that is bound to haunt you for the rest of your political careers.
So yalo vinaka. FijiFirst might be gone but the nation still looks to you to put principle first. Please choose the high road that lies before you rather than give way to rank expediency. And as men and women of honour, please fulfil your duty to the voters who put you there only 18 months ago. They look to you to fulfil your duty to uphold the policies they voted for and will reward you for doing so. But they will never forgive you if you betray the national interest by allowing yourselves to be bought.
So what happens next?
The NFP stalwart – Richard “I have the means” Naidu – helpfully suggests in his personal megaphone, the Fiji Times, that Inia Seruiratu can still be opposition leader and keep his newly acquired $200,000 a year plus a house.
Wonder why the “prominent Suva lawyer” is saying anything at all? The NFP has to protect its marbles now that there are 26 independent players who might be tempted to join Sitiveni Rabuka and enable him to cut Biman Prasad and Aseri Radrodro loose. Or perhaps having done the public a great service by helping his client, Fiji Water, get a tax holiday, Richie Rich is merely doing his public duty to ensure that we have a viable opposition.
Encouraging noises from Jone Usamate that he, at least, still regards himself as the opposition.
Bula Graham, Sadly what the Fijian public wants and what they get from these clowns in parliament are two different things. As the saying goes, There is no honour among thieves, so I wouldn’t hold out for any hope that these ‘independents’ will be doing the right thing. Just look at their track record in opposition, None of them had the balls to really put the boot into the coalition govt at the height of the Lynda Tabua Minister for bonking and weeds, sex and drugs scandal with Aseri Radrodro. Bottom line is, most of the current independents already sold their souls to the devil, the moment they voted to increase their own salaries. So you dangle a big enough carrot in front of them, and you watch their pants hit the ground so hard, when the snake orders them to do so. Cheers mate!!
It is one man
You all know who was behind the demise of FF.
He is smart ass,
He has washed his hands of all the dirt he carried for past 16 years.
Even if he goes to prison for few years ,he will still have no shame
His looted heaps and heaps
Only some forensic accountant can reveal .
Coalition government has failed to dig the rot.
This was the plan to escape
How about Rabuka?
1. 1987 coup
2. 2000 RFMF Mutiny
3. Collapse of NBF
4. Ruined the nation, devaluation mass migration fear and threats of deporting Indo Fijians
Plus his continuous lies, backtracking and now further ruining the economy over 2 Billion debts within 16 months in government?
Ravneel
In Monetary terms,Rabuka’s loss compared to ASK is way less .
Fiji’s debt those days were less than a billion dollars.
During last 16 years ,debt shot up like a rocket to almost 10 billion .
Look around , if you can see that 10 billion.
Hospitals,roads,water supply and everything is falling
Now calculate the loss
Of course they looted and bankrupt NBF but from generated money locally not from borrowed money my friend
Your interpretation of finance matters is somewhat similar to former Lecturer Baiman Prasads, were you one of his students. As you say 16 years, 10 billion dollars debt, to correct you it was 9 Billion over 16 years. Using simple formula, Coalition 3 Billion dollars within 18 months say by 2026, 6 Billion. Now if Coalition remains in power for 16 years, multiply ✖️ Dollars that’s 24 Billion Dollars in 16 years.
Ravneel
Did you go to school with Aiayaz ?
Today his own party owes almost a million dollars to suppliers
I have rounded off the figure to 10
Same as you
It is not 3 billion yet but will be by end of 2025
Borrowing will slow down as VAT will be collecting some good money for this government, plus few other policies they will come up with.
Medicinal marijuana farming will also going to supersede all other industries
Note everyday goods and services cost is rising
What you borrowed 5 years ago will buy you less today .
Don’t think the underwear you bought 5 years ago will be same price after 10 years
No one knows either if coalition government of today will be in power tomorrow and for for how long
Grow up and live with facts and reality of the matter
There were numerous natural disasters and covid 19 pandemic under FFP. Only 20,000 taxpayers, your coalition wanted to shut down Fiji Airways cutting down ministerial salaries, overseas travel allowance yet they did exactly what the accused FFP of doing, made unnecessary overseas trips which could have been conducted via zoom meetings. But you won’t understand these things, because you didn’t pay attention to your maths teacher in class 2
Yea
I didn’t pay attention as he was ASK kind,
That teacher was paying more attention to his kind of students ,just as how ASK was doing .
Lot of Aid was given to Fiji in regards to natural disasters my friend .
There is no account for it till today.
Where has PM fund gone?
Children were in tents
Many rural schools were not repaired for years
Covid vaccines were given for free by donor countries
Budget supplement financial help was also given .
Fijian people were fooled by taking their own money from FNPF and was told by government that it was a help
Many countries revived thier Airlines after Covid
Bulk of the Planes were parked in deserts.
Their agreement and deals were clear with flexiblecontracts in case of disasters,for Fiji Aiyaz did a blunder and signed contracts that were not flexible .
It was a must pay deal
That’s why Fiji couldn’t afford to ground any Planes .
Pay or loose it !
Achaa bhai
Today you can express your views freely
Yesterday you couldn’t
Media is free
Kaila!
Bhai Roneely
Aiyaz didn’t save Fiji Airways, in fact he saved the company who Fiji airways had signed dodgy deal with.
If that company would have gone under, Fiji airways too,meaning planes had to be seized. Fiji airways would have sunk with them too.
To date who knows about Waqavuka ?
Planes had tags that said owners were Waqavuka Holdings.
Who knows where is Waqavuka? somewhere in Ireland without fixed address?.
How many other airlines deal with them
A company in Ireland with Fijian name
Who are thier directors and what interest ASK has with them?
He patched up things in Parliament when asked
Luckily Covid didn’t last longer and many boarders opened earlier than expected
ASK has done suicide bombing style with Fiji First party
Explosion caused all the shrapnel to go through the 26 members
Now the surviving members should cross the borders
I hope they do not sell themselves. If they do, they will become political prostitutes. Prostitution is not only the oldest profession but an honourable profession. Just look at the leaders fo the NFP and of SODELPA. They have no issues being prostitutes and of being used and abused provided they get paid well.
More importantly, this is Fiji, it is a very special place. We do things here differently to other places. We pray and fast, we are god-fearing, we go to church, we are not sure whether we are Christians or Israelites but when it comes to screwing the vulagi, we are united. We are honourable prostitutes and proud at that.
Isa Brother, enough of bull, jhoot and lasu, that we are god-fearing church goers, prayer and fasting warriors! Yet just last year, 82% of the country’s 2,299 prisoners were Christians and 77% were iTaukei. Instead, please “share and care” as Ratu Mara used to say, so we can help lower these numbers. Or is it a Vulagi thing to do that?
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/insights-into-public-safety-bureau-of-stas-releases-data-on-prisoner-demographics-offence-trends/
If there were amendments to the constitution, this may be a consideration:
That elected MPs who for whatever reason cease to be a member of the party on whose coat tails they were elected into parliament, shall be independent MPs should they remain an MP. There should be provisions in the constitution prohibiting an elected member jumping ship to become a member of another political party. The basis being that voters cast their vote for the policies of the member’s political party. Eg if a voter likes the nationalist views of a party and votes a person in on that party’s ticket, they would not want that elected person then jumping party to one that promotes equal citizenry. And apply a contra illustration of this. We don’t want the ideals of Fiji First crossing over to join a party which puts themselves MPs First and further empowering them.
In addition, being an Independent MP has its advantages if not having to tow the party line is a good thing.
If some of the Fiji First members end up being “bought” to join the PM in his party then parliament currently is not only a dog show but also a sale yards of horse traders.
GD’s analysis is spot-on. In a democratic system, the opposition must function effectively, not only holding the government accountable but also demonstrating its credentials as a viable alternative government. Former FFP members, we, the people of Fiji, urge you to continue representing all our citizens and fulfilling the duties for which you were elected. It’s essential for you to remain united as a group to prevent the government from dividing and conquering by co-opting individuals for its own agenda. This will show weakness in you to give in to powers that are but for the wrong reasons! A weak opposition reflects a weak government.
The dissolution of the FFP is indeed unfortunate, but it opens up an even brighter future if its members form a new political party. Staying together and demonstrating solidarity during this challenging time is crucial. You received the most votes in the recent elections, and it is evident that the Coalition Government will try to exploit the current disarray. For the sake of Fiji, former FFP members, please regroup and showcase the resilience and leadership you collectively possess. This ordeal presents a great opportunity for you to exercise democracy and form a political force that will undoubtedly receive wide support in the next election.
It would be wonderful and reassuring to all to see this new party come to power in the next election, standing for all the positive values and tenacity of leadership, learning from past experiences, and defining itself as the party of choice. Such leadership, committed to the common good, will give us hope and a better direction forward. Please save Fiji from chaos. We hope for that elusive epiphany at this critical juncture!
How about “United Fiji Alliance” (UFA)? This name emphasizes unity and collaboration, projecting a vision of inclusiveness and strength for the future of Fiji and all its people?
Hoooorraaayyyy ….. so get this fiji last party has been illegal since day one. I cannot believe how for the life of me how these ffp stooges can sleep at night knowing they persecuted everyone with their political parties act and hounded any and every competition and meted punishment from this useless act and now its been rammed up their arses lol. Enjoying this one for as long as I can. Now time to hold everyone who were complicit with them.
There’s one born every minute. No, make that every 10 seconds in Fiji. Keep taking the tablets!
I feel vindicated today and here is why. I was never a fan of Aiyaz as he was always very selfish and everything he did in the 16 years of his rein was only for his self interest.
The deregistration of FFP clearly proves my point. The FFP constitution was never democratic and did not allow any changes to the FFP constitution without the approval of the founding members. The founding members all resigned and the existing party members had no way to make changes to the FFP constitution to comply with the request from the SOE to include a mechanism for dispute resolution.
The $700-900,000 debt FFP accumulated and never made any attempts to pay is a solid testament to the way Aiyaz ran the Fijian economy. I will get accused as being anti Aiyaz but these are the reason as to why I never supported him, he was never a good executive that guided Fiji to greener pastures, was selfish with bad fiscal management prosecuted those that spoke against him and handcuffed the country into an imposed constitution that is next to impossible to change.
Its a shame that the former FFP MPs now in opposition blindly followed Aiyaz, never spoke truth to power and are now left with a big mess.
I fully agree that any country needs a solid and viable opposition for democracy to flourish and survive. The challenge for Inia and his team is now to rebuild as an effective opposition and they will have to decide whether they join another party or form their own party. Forming their own party will not be easy feat as they will need 5,000 signatures to start off, raise funds (don’t see how they will do that ) and put into place the necessary logistic of running a party. I am not saying that it cannot be done but it is heavy lifting.
Perhaps team Inia should look at joining Unity Fiji which is led by Narube who is seen as a leader with a good record and has some good ideas and seems honest and has ( for now) integrity although he has never been politically tested.
I do feel sorry for Frank as he was used by Aiyaz and look at where he is today , behind bars with a stain on his legacy.
The era of Frank Aiyaz and FFP is officially over, Fiji will move on.
And if you all think Fiji is a basket case, read the US Supreme Court’s decision today on the Donald Trump immunity case, its a significant blow to the notion that no one is above the law, the ruling states that Presidents are immune from prosecution on officials acts, although not immune from unofficial acts but the devils in the details as a President talking to justice department official to obtain information on their opponent may be an official act.
I’m glad you feel vindicated, Rajiv. That’s the most important thing of all.
Get back on the dick and baiman bandwagon Rajiv. You need to brown nose them more with FFP over.
Rajiv should tell us all what his relationship is with Dick, Baimaan and this government. That way we all will be aware where he is coming from. At the moment we all cannot understand it apart from assuming that he is just an arse licking idiot.
You have your head buried inside those who destroyed Fiji with a flawed constitution and a flawed Political Party’s Act, the same Act that has caused their demise.
Wake up you idiot and smell the coffee and see what’s drastically wrong with the all the laws passed in 16 years.
It’s idiots like you who have propped up dictators.
These were lave liqa gang
ASK did right thing
Useless squad
Yes Sir !people
What difference will they make
Opportunity now for them to sit and talk all bulls%^it in Parliament .
Earn tax payers money for free
Now we will hear their smile louder
Inia will tell you
The most dumb and rudimentary question to ask is [h]ow was FFP registered as a party in the first place w/o a dispute resolution clause in its Constitutio[n]. Isn’t this an elementary stuff to cross check first. Was it intentional? If not, who then is negligent in the non discharge of duty? Long and short, the document was defective from the start and defect was never treated, yet deemed not substantive enough[allegedly] to register the party in the first place.
You sound like prominent lawyer, The man with the means, Fiji Water and VAT Richard Naidu that you right?
Does this now make it the largest number of independent MPs the parliament has ever had in Fiji? Or have there been more number of independent MPs in parliament in the past?
No, it’s unprecedented. Though arguably they are independent only in name having had their party de-registered.It seems they intend, for the moment at least, to continue to operate as a bloc.
If they can operate as a block unified under Inia Seruiratu, maybe for now this will work well in that they can be an effective opposition and vote on issues they all agree on as a block or based on what their collective ideologies are.
Let’s see how they stand the test of time and use this as an opportunity to reset, retool.
There are some good people in opposition who do have lots to offer to the people.
It is not over till it’s over. FFP may linger around and may make a comeback before 2026. Yes, with a new leader and a new lineup. What people forget is FFP can comeback with a rebrand and a new lineup. With Bai and Kai unable to contest the elections as things stand against them, chances are high FFP is not yet dead.
Deregisteration is not the end of any political party nor it is for FFP. The voters know well and truly whom their votes will go to in 2026. It is high time Savenaca Narube and Mahendra Chaudhary join forces and take their chances into running the nation.
The window of opportunity has slightly opened up for Narube and Mahendra Pal to walk the talk. There is never anything to celebrate about when it is politics at play.
Lastly, Biman has given tax free business initiative to I-Taukei businesses and stated penalties for TSLS scholarship for non bond serving students after graduation while they seek greener pastures. Will the I-Taueki businesses be penalized if their business closes with tax payers funded initiative? Since the Government will cushion and pay taxes on I-Taukei businesses behalf. Makes no sense eh? Freebies it is just like Aiyaz
The collapse of Fiji First is imminent. Please terminate all 26 nose diggers out too. They came through the power of khaiyum and bainimarama. Can we have fresh fresh and snap election.
To hell with the deregistration, as long as the money keeps coming everything is fine.
New leaders will emerge, hopefully through the democratic process. However, we again see that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Which is why we need an effective opposition.
Commonsense in the electorate understands this corrupting influence of power, which is why they would not give Sitiveni Rabuka an outright mandate. They all know what happens when children are let loose in the candy store. Frank Bainimarama was more popular because most people realised he would not tolerate ethno nationalism.
On the positive side, both coup leaders did the right thing in submitting themselves to the will of the people. That’s some progress at least.
Fingers crossed a new generation of political leaders now emerge through the democratic process.
FFP is dead and after the deregistration process is completed, they will be buried forever. They won’t be able to operate successfully as a united opposition block as there are no disciplinary or constitutional penalties for not falling in line. Inia won’t care either, he will receive his $200k for the next 2 years and on top of what he has earned in the last 16 years, can retire comfortably. Maybe an adjustment to parliamentary pension next year to help with retirement. And these independents will find it a significant challenge to set up a new party and get into Parliament at the next election. There are just too many obstacles put in by Kai to make things difficult to set up a new party. And sadly none of the current lot have the mana and charisma that Bai and Kai had to win votes. Rabuka has not only successfully wrestled power from them, he has annihilated FFP to be buried as an eunuch. Moce mada and never to sota tale.
Sometimes the dead comes back to haunt you! It is not about burying FFP. Even sodelpa got buried by PAP but needed the buried party to be the Kingmaker.
Change is inevitable and a true democracy needs change in Government to keep the bastards in check.