Opposition MP Parveen Bala is calling on the government to fast-track TC Urmil assessment process so that the food ration can be distributed to the flood victims and to also waiving of stall fee for the market vendors.
While responding to the President’s opening address in Parliament, Bala thanked Minister for Rural Development Mosese Bulitavu for attending to the flood victims and providing non-food items.
He says he knows that Bulitavu will fast-track the assessment to ensure food ration is delivered.
Bala has also made an appeal to Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa to look into waiving of stall fee as Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki vendors have been badly affected.
He says he knows Nalumisa will do it in consultation with the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Bala has also made a proposal to have a government of national unity to address serious issues such as crime, drugs, violence, HIV, economic struggles, geopolitical uncertainty, and the erosion of public trust in our institutions.
The MP says these are not the problems that can be solved by one party alone and are not problems that respond to points scored but it requires the combined wisdom, experience, and effort of every capable person in this nation.
He says such a government would send an immediate signal to the Fijian people that they have heard their concerns, understand their frustration, and are putting aside their differences to save the people.
Bala says it would send a signal to investors that Fiji is stable, united, and serious about solving its problems.
He says those opposing will say that democracy requires a strong opposition and the government need to be held accountable, and that can only happen if there is a clear alternative waiting to take power.
Bala says they are not without merit, but they assume that the alternative to a government of national unity is a functioning democracy with robust debate and healthy accountability.
He emphasises that accountability does not require permanent opposition; it requires transparency, independent institutions, a free press and citizens who are engaged and informed.
The MP says a government of national unity would strengthen them by removing the incentive to use state institutions for own advantage.
INSERT: Bala's proposal 11 mar
He says failure to unite politically will worsen Fiji’s social and economic problems and divisions between parties and communities could lead to rising crime, drug abuse, an escalating HIV crisis and a weakening economy, leaving the country vulnerable to future global shocks.
Bala is calling on every Member of Parliament, Fijian and the Prime Minister to consider this proposal in the spirit in which it is offered and not as a tactic but as a genuine attempt to find a way forward.
He says the Opposition is willing to engage for the betterment of our nation.
Bala is also urging people to hold leaders accountable and tell them that you want leaders who can sit at the same table and solve problems and not just score points.
