Maharaj Fires Back at Bainivalu and Nand Over Rewa Butter Price Debate

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has responded to sharp criticism from Government MPs Hon. Alitia Bainivalu and Hon. Sachida Nand regarding his earlier comments on the rising cost of Rewa butter, defending his position and accusing the government of failing to take real action to support local dairy production.

Both Bainivalu and Nand had accused Maharaj of misleading the public, with Bainivalu going as far as to say it was “laughable and frankly insulting” for him to suddenly show concern about Rewa butter prices, given his time as a FijiFirst MP.

But Maharaj says the issue goes far beyond politics and should focus on fixing a system that has failed ordinary Fijians.

“I respond to the remarks made by the Hon. Sachida Nand and Hon. Alitia Bainivalu regarding my earlier statements on the increased price of Rewa butter, a matter that affects every Fijian household,” he said. “The Hon. Members accused me of speaking without facts. I assure the people of Fiji that I am not only speaking with facts but also offering solutions.”

Maharaj said the fact that Rewa butter is imported and repackaged in Fiji proves his point — not weakens it.

“That is exactly the problem. Why are we still dependent on imported butter when we have a local dairy industry crying out for support? If the cost of importing raw materials has increased, then why isn’t the government supporting Fiji Dairy Limited to use locally produced milk for butter production?” he asked.

He said the government’s response has been to defend the status quo instead of thinking outside the box to address affordability and food security.

“The goal should be to keep essential items affordable while boosting local industry. We need a price subsidy mechanism for dairy products like butter, similar to what’s done for fuel or electricity,” he said.

Maharaj also suggested temporary corporate tax incentives for companies like Fiji Dairy Limited, on the condition that savings are passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. “This is not new economics—this is smart economics,” he added.

He further questioned Fiji’s restrictive import rules under the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), asking why the country is limited to sourcing dairy products from only a few nations.

“If prices in New Zealand are too high, why aren’t we reviewing BAF regulations to allow importation from other safe and certified countries? Our trade policy must evolve with global realities,” he said.

Responding directly to the accusations made by Bainivalu, Maharaj said his concern is not about past statements but current inaction.

“Facts must never be used to justify inaction. The issue here is not whether Rewa butter was imported in 2018—it’s whether this government has the will to change that today,” he said. “Fiji deserves a proactive government that supports local production, shields its people from inflation, and adapts its laws and trade policies to modern challenges.”

Maharaj concluded his response by inviting Government MPs to stop “dismissing valid concerns with lectures” and instead join the Opposition in developing practical solutions to help both consumers and farmers.