Co-chair for the National Council for Building a Better Fiji for all and Head of Catholic Church of Fiji, Archbishop Petero Mataca has defended his acceptance of the post in the council, saying that it does not mean he is biased.

Replying to questions raised on his acceptance of the post, Archbishop Mataca said he has joined the group for the sole purpose of human development and that his contribution to the nation was needed.

Referring to the racial division caused by the five previous coups in Fiji, Archbishop Mataca said that victims and wrongdoers have not freed themselves from the hurtful events and as a result have been moving the nation backwards.

Archbishop Mataca also said that he is a priest of God and the Church and his dedicated his life serving the people and God, and his position as Co-chair should not be taken as him not being neutral.

He said his move shows where his heart lies in moving the nation forward and calls on the people to use their various talents in moving the nation forward.

His comments follow a visit by a group of Catholics, who had asked him to withdraw from the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.