Honorable Speaker of Parliament;
Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers;
Honorable Leader of the Opposition;
Honorable Members of Parliament;
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen, in the
Gallery, and
Fellow Citizens,
I stand before this august House this morning to deliver my right of reply as the mover of the motion. Once again, with profound gratitude and utmost respect, I extend my appreciation to His Excellency the President for articulating a clear vision and legislative agenda for our nation’s progress.
Over this past week of Parliamentary sitting, much has been expressed by Honourable Members of this House.
Regardless of all the viewpoints shared and the manner in which they were expressed, we all stand in agreement
with His Excellency that, as Honorable Members, we must continue to uphold and demonstrate ethical leadership.
His Excellency’s words serve as a reminder to each one of us of our collective duty to uphold the principles of
democracy, good governance, inclusivity. To ensuring that the dignity of every Fijian is reinstated and empowered to attain a good quality of life.
Honourable Speaker Sir, His Excellency’s address highlighted the many challenges and opportunities that lie before us. Specifically, His Excellency called on us as servants of the people to learn from the many challenges we face and invest lessons gained to maximising our opportunities.
As a government, we will continue to deliver policies that prioritise unity, good governance, economic stability, sustainable development, and national security.
As servants of the people, our focus should not only be on short term growth but more so on long-term resilience, ensuring that Fiji will always remain strong in the face of global uncertainties.
Transformational Leadership
Perhaps the central theme of His Excellency’s address is the need for transformational leadership. Leadership that is visionary, compassionate, inclusive, and focused on nation-building.
In transformational leadership we must reinstate the values of this nation. The values of deference, of compassion, of giving, of faith, love and forgiveness. To move from uniformity to diversity, from maintaining to creating, from delivering as we’re being trained to be transformational.
For these to materialise in our multiethnic society, “… there must first be a willing mind, that our giving and cooperating is according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased, and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time (in our history) your abundance may supply their lack, and their abundance
may supply your lack – that there may be equality.
As it is written, He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8: 12-15). For those that are given much, much is asked of them.
Through this, no one can be left behind, through this we’re stronger and resilient. For I believe that all of us
have something to give, great or small. For in giving, we receive. In receiving than we come to a bigger revelation, that we’re called to something larger than our own selves. For the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer gave us His power of attorney to rule over His creation. This is our mandate.
As a government, we fully embrace this vision, recognising that progress requires unity, give and take, and a commitment to serving the interests of our people with integrity and fairness.
Government’s legislative agenda is ambitious, but necessary. While the 2013 Constitution has guided us through transitions of Government in the previous two general elections, its review is essential to reflect the voices and aspirations of the people.
I would like to remind the Hon. Ketan Lal, that to undertake a true democratic process, we must listen to
the people and uphold a constitution that is by the people and for the people. We cannot be talking about democracy and continuing a Constitution that was forced upon them.
The review of the 2013 Constitution will be a priority amongst many other priorities that Government will embark on, and we will ensure that our supreme law upholds the principles of inclusivity and justice.
We invite all citizens to participate in this process. On one hand, it is the responsibility of the government that
the people participate in the formulation of laws they’re required to obey. On the other, the nation’s Constitution must reflect the aspirations of its people. These fundamentals are a starting point to ensure the legitimacy of the laws and their adoption.
Constitution is the system, and the system dictates the outcome. Legitimacy means that the system and its
general solutions are appropriate to the needs and circumstances of the people.
From this simple definition we can see that the people’s voice and aspirations do not feature in the current constitution. Our role as their representatives is to ensure that they’re heard; that justice is finally done, and their dignity is reinstated in the way they, and we, are ruled.
Economic Growth and Investment
Honourable Speaker Sir, His Excellency spoke of economic growth and the need to create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
In this regard, the Coalition Government will continue to develop and implement policies and programs that
enhances economic diversification, strengthening the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic growth, and creating opportunities for job creation. The resilience of our economy in the face of external shocks is a testament to the determination of our people and the pragmatic policies Government have championed.
While we recognize that there is still work to be done, we are engaging with all stakeholders to put in place the building blocks for a resilient economy. Our priority will always be to striking a balance between supporting businesses and ensuring that hardworking citizens can afford the necessities of life. We welcome constructive dialogue and collaboration to find durable solutions for all.
Honorable Speaker Sir, it is evident from this week’s deliberation that some members of the Opposition disseminate false information. May I remind Hon. Bala that the Government continues to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and people in the rural communities.
Last week, the Government launched the National E – Commerce strategy which will create a conducive environment for the enhancement of new technologies that enable Fijians not only in urban areas but even so in rural communities to opportunities to succeed in the digital economy.
This strategy will lay the platform towards accelerating sector growth, stimulating MSME development and
strengthening competitiveness of our exports.
Rising Cost of Living
Honourable Speaker Sir, much has been said from the other side of the house regarding the high cost of living, yet, there has been little acknowledgement of the global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions that have disrupted supply chains, driving up the costs of imported goods and services.
What is even more disheartening Honourable Speaker, is that throughout these discussions, there has been little to no mention of the affordability and availability of our locally grown produce in the market – our rourou, kumala, vudi, bele, and staples that remain accessible to many Fijians.
Honourable Speaker Sir, while we recognise the challenges posed by rising prices, should we not also be advocating for greater reliance on our local food sources as sustainable solution?
It begs the question: Will we, as honourable members, continue to politicise and focus solely on the rising costs of processed foods due to global market volatility? Or will we embrace transformational leadership by promoting and practising the consumption of locally grown and affordable food?
Honourable Speaker Sir, when one goes to our markets, he or she will witness that our crops and vegetables are at affordable prices. The Government is implementing agricultural programs to diversify the economy and empower our villages, settlements and communities to limit reliance on imported goods.
The country does not have any control on the volatile global market; however, we have put in place policies to cushion these external shocks. Policies such as removing the VAT on 21 essential food items and medical prescriptions, providing back to school funding to assist parents, increasing the social welfare assistance and reforming the tax system.
Health Sector
Honourable Speaker Sir, much have been said from the other side of the house on the current infrastructure status of our health and medical sector. It is mind- boggling how one can erase from memory 16 years of neglect. We cannot be talking about transformational leadership and the best interest of our people while cocooning ourselves in that metal space. While the Coalition Government is committing itself to this, the health needs of all Fijians is a priority. I would like to urge all our citizens to exercise patience. The Government I lead assures that we will do more to address the infrastructure needs of our health facilities.
The Priority Infrastructure Plans for CWM Hospital has been launched and we thank the Australian Government or their assistance. Also, we very much value the voluntary assistance of our own citizens who contributed to organisations like the International Women’s Association and a special mention to Ms Judy Compain and her Team of tireless workers. This is a perfect
example of patriotism.
Infrastructure Development
Honorable Speaker Sir, large scale developments require time and resources for proper implementation. The Coalition Government has embarked on various plans to execute large scale projects nation-wide.
While mindful of timelines, we remain committed to ensuring that all developments are carried out transparently and with accountability.
Our efforts to improve the infrastructure space is guided by national framework such as the National Development Plan, Water Sector Strategy and the Fiji National Infrastructure Plan which takes a comprehensive view of the infrastructure needs of all sector and prioritises critical areas of improvement. We are undertaking the necessary measures to improve the
road, water, energy and port facilities.
In December last year, I made a visit to Vanua Levu to assess the progress of the proposed $300 million road upgrades under the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project. I am pleased to inform this August House that works are progressing well. This is a vital project for the people of Vanua Levu which will bring about economic opportunities through improved connectivity.
Bipartisanship
Honorable Speaker Sir, the Coalition Government has always advocated for bipartisanship.
His Excellency reaffirmed our commitment to good governance and accountability. Strengthening our institutions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring transparency in government operations as crucial to fostering public trust and confidence.
We will keep the door open to the members of the Opposition to collaborate on matters of national importance.
It is unfortunate that some members on the other side of the House are misleading the nation by stating that we have suppressed their voices in this august House. The Government stands on the principles of openness and freedom. This Government has been open from Day 1, and has always been open to innovative ideas that would propel this nation ahead. We will continue working
to ensure that our governance structures remain robust and accountable with the people we represent and
serve at its centre.
The Coalition Government recognises difference as a strength. We embrace diversity. We see freedom and transparency as fundamental to our very dignity and existence.
We hold our posts at the pleasure of the people we represent and therefore we fight for their best interests. There is nothing personal about it.
Shaking hands after a debate is a parliamentary tradition that confirms to the nation that its leaders can differ
without malice, without rancor. The courtesy acknowledges the assistance rendered by the Government to citizens and constituents at the request of Opposition MPs.
At our time as SODELPA Opposition Members of Parliament we opposed the Budget because we felt there were areas where the Government could have heeded our reservations and exercise prudence in the spending and deployment of national resources. All our focus was on ensuring the survival of the most vulnerable members of society and promote responsible and conscientious fiscal management.
Our comments and remarks as well as our motions at the Committee of Supply, pushed the Government to respond with informed reasons – not only to Members of Parliament but also to the people of the nation listening, who voted in both sides of the House.
Shaking hands was something we had done during our time in Government, when the then Opposition came across after the Speaker had left the Chambers, and did so, since the 2019 Budget Debate.
I personally went to thank various Ministers who responded favourably and directly to members of the
public who had asked me for government Ministers’; intervention in their personal, community and Mataqali concerns.
As is the wise words of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at our Independence Celebrations; “We can differ without
rancor”. This is the spirit of transformational leaders.
Social Cohesion
Honourable Speaker Sir, His Excellency the President underscored the importance of inclusivity and social cohesion in our development journey. In conjunction with our culture of giving that I alluded to earlier, the Government will continue to champion policies that protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status. We will continue to empower our youth, enhance education opportunities and promote cultural diversity; bases from which we
strength of our nation.
National Security
Honourable Speaker Sir, our commitment to law enforcement and national security is unwavering. We will continue to modernize our security apparatus, strengthen regional partnerships, and invest in technology to combat emerging threats in transnational
organised crime. Public safety is paramount, and we will ensure that our people live in a secure and peaceful environment.
Conclusion
Honourable Speaker Sir, as we embark on this new Parliamentary session, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With cooperation, determination, and visionary leadership, we will overcome them and build a brighter future for all.
In conclusion, I extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President for his insightful and inspiring address. Let us take his words as a call to action and work together in the spirit of collaboration and patriotism.
Fellow Members, the future of Fiji is in our hands. Together, we can shape a nation that is prosperous, just,
and resilient.
I wish the very best for His Excellency the President, Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau.
May God bless Fiji. Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.