We have never appointed anyone on the basis of their last name, family pedigree or based on where they come from - PM

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says they have never appointed anyone on the basis of their last name, their family pedigree or based on where they come from and the new President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is not a Fijian who has coasted through life on the basis of his birth right.

Bainimarama stated while giving his right of reply to the President’s speech during which he also took a swipe at some Opposition parliamentarians.

He says the Opposition never believed in merit based leadership.

Bainimarama says Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua has been very vocal about the appointment of Tui Macuata as the President.

He also called out SODELPA MP, Mitieli Bulanauca.

He says Bulanauca had called for Fijians to fear vaccination and instead put faith in God. Bainimarama says no bogus interpretation of religion should prevent people from protecting themselves from COVID-19.

Bainimarama adds National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad who talked about corruption in his address should go to the University of the South Pacific to find out what corruption is all about.

Prasad had said earlier in the week that this Government talks about transparency and accountability and even wrote a Constitution that created an Accountability and Transparency Commission however, eight years on, the Commission has not been appointed.

The Prime Minister further says Prasad is a conspiracy theory man who has talked about what the Government will do if they lose the election, as if they are going to do anything other than to step down.

He also attacked SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula for saying that the military has a constitutional role and responsibility to remove the Government.

Section 131(2) of the 2013 constitution states it shall be the overall responsibility of the RFMF to ensure at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.

Bainimarama then stated that Opposition Leader, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu had complained the ceremony of qaloqalovi should not have been held for the outgoing President, Jioji Konrote.

He says if this ceremony would not have been done, Ratu Naiqama would have been quick to criticise that move.

In his response to the President’s speech, Ratu Naiqama had stated that he observed the farewell ceremony of the former president and the inauguration ceremony of the incoming president whereby the basic traditional protocol, qaloqalovi was not adhered to for the new President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.