MINISTER for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has indicated he has yet to decide whether he will contest the next general election.
Speaking on The Lens@177, Mr Tikoduadua said he was nearing the end of his current parliamentary term and would make a decision on his political future in the coming months.
“It’s a decision that I will make at a point in time. I have to determine whether I can still add value within NFP going forward,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“And add value to Fijian policy because that is the platform.”
Mr Tikoduadua, who is also the National Federation Party president, said he remained grateful to the party for welcoming him in 2017.
He said the party had come a long way since the former FijiFirst government led by former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Mr Tikoduadua said while the party remained guided by its principles, it also needed to continue evolving.
“But as I said earlier, we need to continually evolve.
“And my position to contest the election will be determined in time.”
When asked whether he would be prepared to lead the party if required, noting that the current party leader Prof Biman Prasad is before the courts, Mr Tikoduadua said the issue of party leadership would have to be dealt with according to the party’s constitution and proper processes.
He said he would be ready to serve if invited and if he had the confidence of those nominating him but stressed that he was not actively seeking the position.
“I usually consider myself someone that works well with a good leader. I am not craving it (to be leader).
“That bridge will have to be crossed when we come to it.”
Mr Tikoduadua said he hoped Prof Prasad would not be convicted, adding that any question about leadership succession would only arise if there was a conviction and disqualification under the law.
