The government must stop focusing on issues within the coalition partners and fight for the survival of ordinary Fijians - Bia

The coalition government must stop focusing on the issues and fighting for survival within the coalition government partners but must fight for the survival of the ordinary Fijians who are living from paycheck to paycheck and hoping for a better Fiji.

This was highlighted by FijiFirst MP Aliki Bia while responding to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere's opening speech in Parliament.

Bia further says if we continue to neglect the people and turn a blind eye to their voices and needs then there will be no progress, no economic prosperity and no growth and development.

He says this will happen no matter how many forums, summits, meetings and consultations we do.

He says the government of the day is there because the people entrusted their hopes and aspirations of a better family, better community and a better Fiji.

Bia says as policy makers we need to ensure that the people of the country should always come first as they are the very reason for them to be represented as Members of Parliament.

The opposition MP says they are not there because of certain businesses, business people or some companies and non- governmental organisations but for the people whose votes gave them the power to become ministers and Members of Parliament.

He says for too long some politicians are only seen during election campaigns, visiting people and going out to hear their voices but when they are in power they turn and forget the people that voted for them.

Bia says as ministers they need to go out more locally than internationally, they need to hear the heartbeat on the ground, engage ordinary Fijians in talanoa sessions and see the reality of what the people are facing.

He says they are elected to defend the interest of the people of Fiji at all costs and if it takes them to make some sacrifices in their decision making then they should do it because of the people and there should be no two ways about it.

The opposition MP says in the last parliament sitting they spent a lot of time on political talk and less on people talk.

He says we need to honour our words spoken during the election campaign and give an assurance to the people that they are not given false hopes but guaranteed their interest is well served and move the country with dignity and honour.