Govt Side in Dominant Form, Shows Depth

The depth of FijiFirst as a parliamentary group is clear from the first two days of Parliament sittings this month. Even without several of their heavyweights, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Minister for Agriculture and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya. Acting PM Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum continues to be the bane of the Opposition. He is a consummate speaker who runs rings around his political opponents. He speaks with authority because he has the facts and figures.

His commanding presence provides a sense of confidence and stability among Government members. They know they have a leader whom they can depend on to jump into the fray when the going gets tough at times.

On Monday and yesterday, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum again showed his brilliance while responding to Opposition attacks.

He stood his ground well and shone in the tussle against National Federation Party MPs Biman Prasad and Parmod Chand. He did exceptionally well. He is ably supported by other MPs like the Minister for Employment Jone Usamate, Minister for Health, Medical Services Rosy Akbar, Assistant Minister for Local Government Lorna Eden, Waterways Minister Mahendra Reddy and Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa. Just to name a few.

In the next few days before this session ends, unless the Opposition makes a dramatic comeback, the Government side will continue its dominant form.