As the leader of the NFP, I would not have joined a government that has racist agendas – Prof.Prasad

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says as the leader of the National Federation Party, he would not have joined a government that has racist agendas.

When asked on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan on claims being made that the NFP is keeping quiet when racist comments or policies are being made or when non iTaukei are being replaced by the iTaukei in certain positions, Professor Prasad says there are people out there who are inflaming the situation and talking about suddenly Indo Fijians are being replaced by iTaukei.

He says changes are being made and he himself has made changes appointing board members who are Indo Fijians and also Indo Fijians are being replaced by iTaukei.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the last 16 years with the previous government, there was an analysis that was made and the iTaukei community felt they were being marginalised on the boards.

He says there has not been a systematic, deliberate, or concerted effort to remove people of a particular ethnic origin within the government.

Professor Prasad also says one thing people should understand is that it is a coalition government and between the three parties, they have an agreement.

He says the NFP has a history of 60 years of fighting for the rights of everybody including Indo-Fijians.

Professor Prasad says he has accepted the fact that this is a coalition government and not everything that will happen will be perceived as right but they have a job to do as a coalition government and the coalition is very solid as they are working together despite what the perception might be outside.

He says the coalition government is united and is more solid than ever knowing that the country deserves better and that is where their focus is right now.

The Deputy Prime Minister says there are appointments that have been made and there would be disagreements between the three parties in the coalition government and they accept that, as they have an agreement and also they feel that this is something they will have to manage.

He stresses the lies from their opponents before last year’s elections is continuing until now.