Opposition MPs have hit back at claims made by Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum that opposition parliamentarians were not performing in the interest of creating opportunities for Fijians.

While deliberating his right of reply, the Minister made claims that on many fronts in the last four years, the Opposition has chosen to resort to racism, lies, obfuscation of facts and figures.

He also expressed his disappointment over the lack of collective contribution and new ideas submitted from the Opposition.

“Be able to discuss how we can take our country forward. We have a young population – there was much more than we all in this parliament could do for them, but that did not happen because of the Opposition’s attitude, because they did not portray a unique display of patriotism and nationalism which is very critical to take our country forward. It is with great disappointment that I stand here to speak. In fact, I did not even feel like speaking given the quality of submissions from the other side.”

However, SODELPA MP Mere Samisoni believes Opposition has put in the hard yard but their efforts are not being translated to Fijians.

“It’s very hard to be in a situation where the majority is so much and the minority is so little that no matter what we come up with – they will vote against it even though we know it’s good.”

Samisoni extended the olive saying working together is the way forward for the country.

“We believe the way to go forward for Fiji in our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-racism society we need to work together in good faith and in a team.”

Opposition MP Semesa Karavaki strongly disagrees with the Minister’s statement saying it was uncalled for.

“Just to put a blanket respond like that and brand all our statements as lies it’s something that probably shouldn’t have been made.”

Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also expressed his disappointment with the Opposition MP’s regarding the quality of responses on the 2018/2019 National Budget.