Fiji's former opposition leader has expressed strong disappointment over the formation of a grand coalition of indigenous Fijian political parties ahead of the next general election.
Mick Beddoes has told Radio Fiji the move reflects poorly on those who have promoted it, just as much as on those who are participating in it.
Mr Beddoes, who leads the United General Party, says the people involved are only preoccupied with their own interests and have little regard for the wellbeing of all the other communities in Fiji.
As well, he says such a coalition promotes only racial polarisation which has done nothing for the country since the (Rabuka) coups of 1987.
Mr Beddoes says this polarisation does not allow for the creation of national unity which Fiji desperately needs.
Mr Beddoes says the coalition has nothing to do with improving the lives and the wellbeing of the people but is only about status, power and Fijian leadership.
