NO HOLDS BARRED
■ Likely tantalising match-ups in the new Parliament
New members promise quality robust debates in the new Parliament to convene soon.
Leading the charge will be two former military commanders, who have risen to the country’s number one job in their political careers.
On the left of Parliament will be the FijiFirst Government side led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. On the opposite side is Sitiveni Rabuka, a former prime minister and Opposition Leaderdesignate. They both bring to the House their own unique way of addressing issues. It will be a no-holds-barred face-off. Mr Bainimarama is likely to get a two-pronged attack from Mr Rabuka on Sugar and Immigration and Fiji Sun’s pick to be named spokesperson Ro Filipe Tuisawau on iTaukei Affairs.
Other tantalising match-ups
between a possible Cabinet and Opposition SODELPA line-up spread right across the chamber. Those named are chosen by the Fiji Sun based on their background.
The likely Minister for Health, a ministry that gets the most intense public scrutiny, is Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, a top surgeon and highly-respected medical personality and president of the Fiji Medical Association.
He is up against SODELPA’s Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, a general practitioner based in Somosomo Taveuni, where he is also highly regarded. His father is Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who also won his seat, and is SODELPA’s president.
They are believed to be the first father and son team to be in Parliament and from the same party. Attorney-General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum is most likely to retain most of the portfolios he held Economy, Public Enterprises, Civil Service and Communications.
He is likely to lose Education to Rosy Akbar, who previously was health minister. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is going to be kept busy by a likely strong team comprising Aseri Radrodro (Economy), Adi Litia Qionibaravi (Law, Judiciary, Media & Communications) and Anare Jale (Public Enterprises and Civil Service).
Ms Akbar will face Mikaele Leawere, a former school teacher and Fijian Teachers Association executive.
Mahendra Reddy is likely to be rewarded for his hard work by getting Agriculture and Waterways.
His opposite could be Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
Parveen Bala, who retains Environment, Infrastructure and Transport, could face Simione Rasova, a businessman.
Jone Usamate is likely to retain Employment, Industrial Relations, Productivity. He is likely to face lawyer and one of SODELPA’s rising stars, Lynda Tabuya, who is expected to lift the standard of debate to another level.
Premila Kumar, a huge asset for FijiFirst, would be ideal for Local Government and Housing. She is a former school teacher and ex-CEO of Consumer Council of Fiji.
Previously, this portfolio was held by Mr Bala, but he already has too much on his plate.
She could face Ro Teimumu Kepa. Inia Seruiratu, who has done extremely well as High-Level Climate Change Champion, could shift from Agriculture to Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs. This would allow the PM to focus more on the home front after FijiFirst lost five seats in Parliament. Mr Seruiratu is likely to face Mosese Bulitavu (Defence, National Security) and Viliame Gavoka (Foreign Affairs)
Vijay Nath could get Youth and Sports. His opposite may be Peceli Vosanibola Mereseini Vuniwaqa is set to retain the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. She will face Salote Radrodro who is likely to retain the Opposition Whip role.
Osea Naiqamu could return to Forests. He could face businessman Inosi Kuridrani.
Ashneel Sudhakar fills the vacuum left by Faiyaz Koya who lost his seat in the election. He takes Lands, Industry, Commerce, Tourism. Niko Nawaikula (Lands) Jese Saukuru (Industry) and Viliame Gavoka (Tourism) will scrutinise him.
Semi Koroilavesau is likely to retain Fisheries. His opposite could be Ratu Tevita Navurelevu, a chief in Macuata, who was briefly in the last Parliament to replace Mr Bulitavu who lost his seat after his conviction of sedition.