Let me remind the government of the day that they have no moral authority to hold this nation to political ransom, compromise the future of the generations yet to be born or parade themselves as having the mandate to speak for the nation.

This was highlighted by SODELPA MP Ratu Suliano Matanitobua in his response to the President’s speech in parliament.

Matanitobua says that today, government is only speaking for 50.02% of the people of this land.

He says that the decrease of the FijiFirst seats from 32 to 27 and votes from 59% to 50.02% is a clear sign of rejection of the over-regulation and over-taxation.

Matanitobua says that the increase of SODELPA’s seats from 15 to 21 is a sign of people voting for freedom from the constitutional dictatorship.

He says that the 147 votes presents a divided nation and a disputed mandate.

Matanitobua says that FijiFirst can govern by 27 seats majority but cannot be the political conscience and guide of the nation anymore.

Matanitobua says that the President spoke about iTaukei rights and resources ownership and that statement cannot go unchallenged because there is a breach of the spirit of the Deed of Cession, there is tampering with entrenched group rights and unprecedented environment exploitation.

The SODELPA MP also spoke about the lack of affirmative action and social justice programmes for the native Fijians and people of Rotuma.