Rumblings in Background Suggest Govt’s Unity Fragile
The rumblings in SODELPA are getting louder over the way the new Coalition Government is implementing changes that are weighted in favour of The People’s Alliance.
The PA failed candidates and loyalists are dominating new appointments in the civil service, raising eyebrows in the SODELPA camp. It is understood that many of SODELPA’s unsuccessful election candidates have been meeting behind the scenes to express their concerns over what they claim as unfair treatment of SODELPA in the allocation of jobs.
Although their three MPs, party leader Viliame Gavoka, Aseri Radrodro and Ifereimi Vasu, have signed the coalition agreement to respect it, they can break it anytime if they want to when they are not happy with some issues or SODELPA directs them.
SODELPA’s management board can change its position by telling the three MPs to switch allegiance and vote for FijiFirst in Parliament.
That possibility cannot be ruled out.
It is believed that just before the first Parliament sitting was convened last month to elect the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Prime Minister SODELPA received a late call from FijiFirst.
The caller offered the Acting Prime Minister’s post, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of iTaukei Affairs.
By that time it was too late. SODELPA had already decided to coalesce with The PA and the National Federation Party.
But that top job offer could be resurrected if SODELPA decides to leave the coalition.
It is a real possibility and a threat to the Coalition Government. It cannot take for granted the current stable situation because it’s still early days.
This could be a convenient moment to pause, take stock and review its actions so far.
While 100 days stand as a goal during which it wants to implement its election promises, the new Government needs to slow down, follow the law and do the right things by doing its due diligence.
It is going to hit a brick wall on free tuition for tertiary students. SODELPA wanted all students to benefit according to its manifesto. But Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said it was only those who qualified who would receive scholarships.
The rest would have to pay.
That is taking us back to the days of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who was Prime Minister from 1970 to 1987.
Under Bainimarama Govt
When the FijiFirst Government came into power in 2014, it introduced the Toppers and TELS schemes. Those who did not qualify for scholarships took out a loan to do their tertiary studies.
They pay back their loans after they get jobs.
Under the regime that Mr Rabuka announced last Friday, those who do not qualify for scholarships, have to pay their own way.
Many cannot afford it going by those on TELS.
How many of our students or their parents have the means to pay for tuition? A minority.
Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad must be scratching his head to try to find the millions of dollars needed to wipe out student loans and continue with providing scholarships.
This is why Toppers and TELS schemes have been extended to give him time.
What if the Government subsidises 50 per cent of the cost and the students pay the balance?
The new Government would have to find a way to find a solution to the plight of students who don’t qualify for scholarships.
The challenges are usual for coalition partners where their policies may differ like they do for tertiary education.
The PA and NFP would have to watch what’s happening in SODELPA’s rank and file to ensure that the coalition can withstand the political tests and tremors.