Narube is a commentator not a leader, says Balawa

The General Secretary of the People's Alliance Party, Sila Balawa, has dismissed comments by Savenaca Narube, saying he is acting more like a commentator than a national leader.

Balawa said Narube’s recent remarks attacking the leadership of Sitiveni Rabuka were exaggerated and politically opportunistic, aimed at gaining attention rather than contributing meaningfully to national discourse.

He stressed that governing Fiji requires difficult decisions, particularly at a time when institutions are being corrected, strengthened, and restored.

Balawa said legal matters currently before the courts should not be turned into political drama, adding that such issues must be resolved through lawful institutions and independent judicial processes.

He defended the Prime Minister’s approach, saying Rabuka has allowed due process to take its course instead of interfering with independent bodies — a shift from past practices where institutions were subjected to political pressure.

Balawa also rejected Narube’s claim that taxpayers could lose up to $5 billion, describing the figure as reckless and unsupported by credible evidence.

*It is important to note that Unity Fiji issued a correction stating that 5 billion was a typo and it should have been 5 million.

He added that while critics may speak freely, leadership requires responsibility and accountability for decisions made in the national interest.

The People’s Alliance maintains that the Coalition Government remains focused on key priorities, including improving health services, addressing the drug crisis, supporting farmers, and advancing legislative reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.

Balawa said delays in certain Bills before Parliament reflect a deliberate effort to ensure laws are properly prepared rather than rushed.

He further questioned Narube’s political credibility, stating that his platform has failed to gain meaningful public support, with Fijians understanding the difference between commentary and leadership.

In his statement earlier, Narube urged the Prime Minister to “stop the legal drama,” raising concerns about decisions relating to the Commission of Inquiry, constitutional amendments, and leadership issues within FICAC.

He claimed taxpayers could face losses of over $5 million due to ongoing legal matters and questioned the quality of legal decision-making by the Prime Minister.

Narube also criticised the Prime Minister’s handling of the Malimali matter, arguing that legal processes were not properly followed and that personal considerations should not influence decisions made in an official capacity.

He further raised concerns about delays in key governance Bills and the absence of a substantive Attorney-General, stating that legal disputes were distracting the Government from addressing pressing national issues.