The leader of an opposition political party in Fiji, Biman Prasad, has taken issue with comments by Fiji's head of state at the opening of parliament yesterday.
The leader of the Fiji National Federation Party, Biman Prasad. Photo: RNZ / Sally Round
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau urged less division and more national unity in the next year and said it was inexcusable to undermine the Fijian economy for political gain.
He called on MPs to raise the tone in the upcoming session which will be the second year of parliament since landmark elections following the 2006 coup.
Biman Prasad says it is ridiculous to expect the opposition not to criticise the government of the day.
"If you don't promote dissent, if you don't allow diversity of views, if you don't allow disagreements, if you don't allow divisions within parliament, then you cannot call it a genuine democracy."
Biman Prasad.