Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu is asking Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad to get real, be aware of life outside his own circle of comfort, listen to the people and find better solutions.
Seruiratu said for Prof Prasad to say that the Opposition is misinforming the public and labeling their contribution in Parliament as the worst ever, shows utter level of disrespect and ignorance on their role as Opposition Members.
“As an experienced member of Parliament, DPM and Minister for Finance Honorable Professor Biman Prasad should very well know that our role as opposition members is to provide oversight and scrutiny to all machinery of Government.”
“Part of our role too as Parliamentarians is representation; we are the voices of the people in Parliament. And that is exactly what the Opposition did but again denied by DPM and Minister for Finance.”
He said they represent the ordinary people however the DPM and most members on the Government side do not understand this.
“We as MPs must feel the pulse of the common people, when we raised this as Opposition Members in Parliament he is often disturbed by our comments as opposed to being receptive to the reality that the ordinary and grassroots Fijians are facing.”
“Honorable Prasad stated that we are making up stories and lying about people who are facing hard times now after the 15% VAT was imposed.”
“Simply, while all other forms of assistance given by Government is appreciated, its insufficient to match the other high costs in many other areas that are part of their daily living and societal obligations and commitments.”
“It was he who promised better living conditions and lower costs when they come into power as part of his “Change Is Coming”; campaign.”
“Now that people are demanding for answers, he is slowly changing his tune and trying to run away from what he promised to the people of Fiji.”
Seruiratu said they as Opposition members are reminding Prof Prasad of these promises because if not, he is deceiving all Fijians and their job is to make him aware that promises made during the election campaign should not to be used for political gain to get into power.
“It’s very simple, all he must do is to fulfill his promises.”
“The Honorable Biman Prasad should wake up and see the reality of what is happening to ordinary Fijians.
“He promised sound economic policies; however, government policies have driven the cost of living to enormous heights.”
“The heat is on the Finance Minister to deliver because Fijians are watching and observing the progress of the current Government.”
“Let me remind the Minister of Finance, if you cannot take the heat, get out of the kitchen,” he added.
