29 Sep 2016

NFP hits back at boycott criticism

3:10 pm on 29 September 2016

The leader of Fiji's opposition National Federation Party has hit back at criticism of his party's boycott of the opening of parliament.

Dr Biman Prasad and Prem Singh, its other MP remaining in the House, were absent from the opening on September the 12th.

NFP leader Biman Prasad.

NFP leader Biman Prasad. Photo: RNZI / Alex Perrottet

Dr Prasad had spent most of the previous two days in prison along with other political figures, being questioned over their attendance at an alleged public meeting without a permit.

In the House yesterday, the Minister of Local Government, Parveen Bala, attacked the NFP, while they reminded him of his own defection from the party.

"The NFP have made a joke of itself and of their continued boycott. As the Honourable Prime Minister pointed out, their behaviour was unworthy of a party with a heritage of leaders who were statesmen first and politicians second."

Mr Prasad said Mr Kumar betrayed the NFP which nurtured him for years, and the party has taken a stand for the principles of democracy, free speech and human rights.