Three of Fiji’s political leaders – Laisenia Qarase, Mahendra Chaudhry and Mick Beddoes – have said they are “reviewing their stance” on discussions on a new constitution while accusing Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and the military of making threats and spreading fear. The statement amounts to a threat themselves to withdraw from the constitutional process and means the long- awaited discussions are enveloped in crisis even before they’ve begun. While Beddoes’s United Peoples Party is tiny, Qarase and Chaudhry represent the two biggest established political groupings in Fiji – the SDL and Labour.
Yet by any reasoned analysis, this is a crisis that has been self inflicted. The original spark was lit by Mick Beddoes when he publicly raised the spectre of life-long jail sentences for the country’s military leaders for having staged the 2006 coup. (See previous posting). Unsurprisingly in a febrile political environment after five and a half years of military rule, the taunt prompted a furious response from Frank Bainimarama. In an interview with the Fiji Sun headlined “PM Warns Critics”, Bainimarama was quoted as having said that “the day that the military will be taken to prison, that will be the end of those who are behind it”. He did not elaborate.
Yet having cast the first stone, Beddoes is now playing the injured party and has enlisted the support of Qarase and Chaudhry – the two former foes-turned-allies with whom he’s been discussing a joint submission to the Constitutional Commission pressing for the restoration of the abrogated 1997 constitution. A statement signed by the three leaders (see below) said Bainimarama’s comments represented “ a very real and grave threat”, especially to Beddoes. “We call on Commodore Bainimarama to explain what he means by the words ‘that will be the end of those behind it’. We also call on him to say whether such a statement will contribute to the creation of the open and free atmosphere he has promised for the talks about Fiji’s constitutional future. All topics are up for consideration, including the role of the military”, the statement said.
The three leaders went on to say that “in view of the threats and warnings” from the prime minister and the military’s land force commander, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, they were “reviewing their stance on the constitutional consultations” because “the spreading of fear” was “not consistent with the PM’s pledge for wide ranging, free and inclusive discussions” and was “also not in the national interest”. They did not elaborate on precisely what action they planned.
In what Bainimarama will doubtless see as a further provocation, the three leaders said they were taking advice on whether any laws had been breached and that “the Prime Minister needs to understand that nobody is above the law”. They took exception to his comment in the Fiji Sun interview that “the electoral process and its outcomes would not be influenced by Mahendra Chaudhry, Laisenia Qarase and women’s forums.”. The statement said some of the prime minister’s reported remarks were “undemocratic and unhelpful. It is for the people to decide on such issues, not Commodore Bainimarama”, the statement said, adding that “ it is disturbing that he appears to be planning a controlling role for the army in the constitutional process”.
Many Fijians will be hoping that the steady escalation of rhetoric in recent days between the regime and its opponents doesn’t develop much further. Because far more disturbing is any prospect of the constitutional review being derailed in an atmosphere of heightened crisis. That, of course, may suit the agenda of the three new amigos of Fiji politics, who don’t want a new constitution at all, preferring to retain the old one – the 1997 version – and perhaps amend its blatant imperfections. Yet without a new racially-inclusive constitution, there will be no return to democracy in 2014 and it’s high time Qarase, Chaudhry and Beddoes accept the immutable fact. Frank Bainimarama intends to complete what he started and threatening – as Beddoes did – to send him to prison for life can only make him all the more determined to prevail. In the national interest, it’s time for cold showers all round and for the attack dog for the Three Amigos to go back to his kennel.
The following is the joint statement ( click to enlarge) :
This article has subsequently appeared in the Fiji Sun.
It is time Fiji people got wiser and send the three has-been old horses of race-based politics to graze in the black Kauvandra Mountain, or what we call “Karia Pahaar” The reality of the situation is that Fiji no longer need Chaudhry, Qarase and Beddoes. They had their time with their race-fuelled parties, and let Fiji and its democracy down. We need leaders of new generation who are all-inclusive. I think people have become wiser and will help carry the country forward even if they withdraw from the Constituional process. Many I-Taukei and Indo Fijians now will no longer fall for racist policies of their respective leaders. It would be interersting to have them call their bluff and we still go ahead with the new constitution. They appropriately can go to the black mountains-Fiji does not need these self-serving politicians any more.
I think this is a time for pragmatism, not political grandstanidng ala the three stooges (Lai, Mahen & Mick). Whether we like it or not the new democracy will have to be crafted by the people of Fiji vide political parties, community groups, NGO’s and the MILITARY!
Accept that folks!
Having brought us back from the brink in 2006, and having set up the processes etc for a new Constitution that is currently in porgress under yash Ghai, the military has a stake in the future. Like it or lump it.
For Micky Beddoes to demand Colonel Tikoitoga to ‘show restraint’, then the next day put out that unhelpful statement threatening jail time for the military leadership, is the height of stupidity and hypocrisy rolled into one. Clearly Mick (or ‘Muck’ as they now refer to him here in Fiji) cant live up to the standards of behaviour and decorum that he expects of others.
If anyone needs an example of political randstanding then this is it.
Do we really need the three stooges back in positions of power?
will Fiji tolerate the military leadership being frogmarched down to Naboro while the three stooges plant their feet firmly under the desks of authoirty in government buildings?
I am afraid that the three stooges have no concern for Fiji’s future stability and prosperity. All their care about are themselves. What a useless self-serving bunch.
To Frnak and the military; I urge that you continue down the path you have chosen. Lets have an election and lets see what the community think of these three washed up self serving wnaabe leaders of our community.
This is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. For whatever reason – maybe they don’t want to have constitutional discussions. Seems the grassroots Fijians want discussions though.They should put the past behind them and work together for a better Fiji and future for the children of the Fiji Islands.
If the three amigos dont want to take part in the constitutional process then so be it. The constitutional review process will go on with or without them.
What is worrying is that the so called ‘three stooges’ have nothing new to offer!
The best they can come up with is the old 1997 Constitution with a few tinkerings on the edges of it which they have yet to explain.
Well Iam sorry, Lai, Mahen and Muck, thats not good enough for us in the current generation.
If you cant offer us anythng better than the multi-racial future that the military nf=der Frank is offering us, then please butt out. Seems like you guys are intellectually bankrupt! No new ideas. Just more of the same that caused us problems before!
Mick and Lai have to be very careful when dealing with mahen.The guy has an ace up his sleeve and a dagger in his hand. He will stab them both when the opportunity comes, so both of you hombres you have been warned.
Singh,you have said it right.Even the maverick Apisai Mohammed Tora never recovered from Chaudhary’s backstabbing !! After agreeing together on the sharing of preferences,candidates on certain seats etc in the 1999 elections ( Tora’s PANU and Chaudhary;s FLP ) Chaudhary renegade on that deal and when Tora complained,Chaudhary’s response was ” Winning the election is the most important thing ” Tora then reinvented his nationalistic ritual by rollercoasting the very bitter political campaign against Chaudhary that ended up in the 19th May 2000 coup and the ovethrow of the People’s coalition government and MPChaudhary.The rest is history.
Then in 2001 Tora like a snake that sheds its skin and scales still decided to make another political comeback by forming another party the BKV ( Bai Kei Viti ).Thankfully the people of Ba had finally awaken to all his crap and the province just decided to join Qarase’s SDL.
Tora’s career is now over but MPChaudhary is still surviving and thriving.Mick and Qarase know him all too well.It is Frank,Khaiyum and even the military council who need to watch their back now.
it is time for them to go,now they are talking about working together,people dont be fooled,pick leaders who will not abide by the race politcs.
This story is wrong on every level.
It is wrong factually.
It is wrong morally
It is wrong politically
To say Beddoes cast the first stone is to forget the previous 9 years of insults and lies Bainimarama has heaped on politicians. He calls them insignificant, but what is insignificant about being elected as Prime Minister and then being removed by a coup staged by soldiers? Both Qarase and Chaudhry fit that bill. He calls them corrupt but after five and a half years of investigations no evidence has been produced. Indeed the one exposed corrupt practice, Chaudhry’s money, Bainimarama held an inquiry which exonerated Chaudhry.
These politicians have been bullied, victimized and insulted repeatedly by Commodore Bananas, THICKOitoga and Aiyarse and Davis is so biased he conveniently forgets to mention it in this artcicle.
But what did Beddoes say. He suggested the coup leaders could face imprisonment. That is a very real possibility for anyone involved in coups. It is something that the Constitution Consultations need to address to the satisfaction of all parties. If Commodore Bananas is not happy there will be no election. If the people are not happy then at the first opportunity someone will take legal action against Bananas, THICKOitoga and Aiyarse.
This needs to be addressed and to raise it now is sensible. Davis I don’t know how much contact you have with the Fiji Military, but one of the issues on top of the minds of all the senior officers is how they remain free after elections. This is the number one issue for the military. If they are not happy and sure of their freedom there will be no elections. Mick Beddoes mentioning it now is good because it brings it into the public domain and out from behind quiet conversations at the Officers mess.
But to top it off you say “Frank Bainimarama intends to complete what he started and threatening – as Beddoes did – to send him to prison for life can only make him all the more determined to prevail.”
To Paraphrase. “Commodore Bananas has got the guns and whatever he wants he gets. It will be his constitution and the consultations are just a sham.”
Now Yash Ghai can read the writing on the wall and to him his reputation is everything. How long will it be before he removes himself from chairing sham consultations and ruining his reputation forever?
“Sham”. you are entitled to your opinion but your last sentence gives the game away. Your agenda – and clearly that of the Three Amigos – is to derail the constitutional process because it means a new constitution with provisions that you oppose and could render the old order irrelevant.
At the least, It was not helpful for Mick Beddoes to threaten the military in the way he did because it unnecessarily raises tension when none need exist. At the worst, it was a cynical exercise in provoking the military into a response that would service his own political purposes; a cry of “see, we told you what bullies they are!” before achieving the very outcome you’ve signalled -Yash Ghai’s withdrawal and a subsequent international outcry.
Beddoes, Qarase and Chaudhry oppose a new constitution for a very simple and basic reason. Removing race-based voting weakens them by robbing them of their traditional power bases. They’re fearful of the consequences of having to face electors in a multiracial constituency. Why else would Mahendra Chaudhry have been drawn to Qarase’s side – a man he so distrusted and detested at the time of “democratic” rule? It’s a Faustian pact determined solely by mutual self interest and will be exposed as such as the months pass and the election takes shape.
These guys owe their roles in national life to exploiting the divisions between the races. So it’s no surprise that they will fight Bainimarama’s reforms to the (political) death. In the new order, Chaudhry will need to win i’taukei votes and Qarase has to win Indo-Fijian votes when both individuals are detested by large proportions of these constituencies. And Beddoes has an even greater challenge because his natural constituency is “others” – the tiny minority of general voters – and has little or no profile with the majority.
You can rail all you like about the military. But the notion that they are fearful of anything – beyond a natural anxiety for this process to proceed smoothly – is laughable. They have the guns and the power and – short of another mutiny – that’s the way it’s going to be whether you like it or not. Qarase, Chaudhry and Beddoes are now just faces in the crowd trying to morph into attractive candidates for multiracial constituencies. They’re carrying a huge amount of baggage and part of the blame for the mess Fiji is in. So I wouldn’t be putting money on any of them come judgment day in the election of 2014. My own feeling is that all three will be toast.
“You can rail all you like about the military. But the notion that they are fearful of anything – beyond a natural anxiety for this process to proceed smoothly – is laughable. They have the guns and the power and – short of another mutiny – that’s the way it’s going to be whether you like it or not”
Is this the ‘real’ democracy we can expect after the Constitutional Commission? A Military that is above the law. A Military that is above Parliament.
If that is the case why are we even bothering with the sham of Constitutional Consultations? Why are we even bothering with voter registration? Why are we bothering with elections? If at the end of the day the military will still have the last say on everything.
You also need to talk with a few more officers on this issue. It is a major concern to them because they do want a true democracy but they are unsure how to have democracy and their freedom. Next time you are in Fiji have a word with Aziz, Tikoduadua, Naivalarua. You might find it enlightening.
I tell you what is laughable is how you underestimate the ability for politicians to change. Elected politicians by their very nature are the most adaptable of creatures. By all means change the constitution and they and their parties will adapt.
Chaudhry has been in politics for a long time. He has fought and won elections under different constitutions he will be a major player in what comes next unless of course Commodore Bananas can fix a criminal conviction.
“Sham”, watching these politicians trying to adapt is going to be interesting. Their entire political lives have been devoted to racial politics and you know it. Yes, they’re very adroit at representing one race and know precisely which buttons to push. But force them to stand for everyone and it’s going to be an entirely different ball game.
You’re certainly right about Mahen Chaudhry and the contortions he performs. Before the 2006 coup he was casting Bainimarama as a “brave man” who deserved the support of the international community. When the coup came, he supported it and joined Bainimarama’s cabinet. Now – after a big falling out – he’s lined up with the guy he helped remove. And all with a straight face. Who’s kidding who here?
Bainimarama doesn’t have to do anything but watch bemused as Chaudhry contorts his way into political oblivion. Even people who detest the PM like Victor Lal are gunning for Chaudhry. Why? Because he still won’t explain how large sums of money given to the Indo- Fijian cause by Indian donors ended up in his personal bank accounts in Australia. The regime doesn’t have to do anything. Court case or no court case, this issue will dog Chaudhry right up to polling day because the voters want an answer.
You seem to have missed the major part of my earlier comment. Probably because you know it is easier to attack Chaudhry than defend the regime’s view of true democracy
“You can rail all you like about the military. But the notion that they are fearful of anything – beyond a natural anxiety for this process to proceed smoothly – is laughable. They have the guns and the power and – short of another mutiny – that’s the way it’s going to be whether you like it or not”
Is this the ‘real’ democracy we can expect after the Constitutional Commission? A Military that is above the law. A Military that is above Parliament.
If that is the case why are we even bothering with the sham of Constitutional Consultations? Why are we even bothering with voter registration? Why are we bothering with elections? If at the end of the day the military will still have the last say on everything.
You also need to talk with a few more officers on this issue. It is a major concern to them because they do want a true democracy but they are unsure how to have democracy and their freedom. Next time you are in Fiji have a word with Aziz, Tikoduadua, Naivalarua. You might find it enlightening.
“Even people who detest the PM like Victor Lal are gunning for Chaudhry. Why? Because he still won’t explain how large sums of money given to the Indo- Fijian cause by Indian donors ended up in his personal bank accounts in Australia. The regime doesn’t have to do anything. Court case or no court case, this issue will dog Chaudhry right up to polling day because the voters want an answer.”
Surely we all got the answers we needed from the Inquiry organized by Commodore Bananas and Aiyarse. Chaudhry was cleared of all Wrong Doing.
Or are you suggesting Commodore Bananas and Aiyarse were involved in some sort of a cover up for their Minister of Finance? Surely the Architects of the Clean Up Campaign could not stoop to corrupt practices? Surely that is Dirty politics something that has been banned?
I am not going to defend Chaudhry. Like all men he has his weaknesses and his failings. But I absolutely defend his right to free speech and to discuss the future of this country without being threatened by a dictator. I share these three politicians concerns that the Constitution Consultations are not happening in an atmosphere conducive to free and inclusive submissions.
As you have said before and the dictator keeps repeating – And then contradicts himself by his actions – for the new constitution to be a success every person that wants to make a submission must feel free to do so. That is certainly not the feeling in Suva.
Or are you suggesting Commodore Bananas and Aiyarse were involved in some sort of a cover up for their Minister of Finance? Surely the Architects of the Clean Up Campaign could not stoop to corrupt practices? Surely that is Dirty politics something that has been banned?
SHAM
You are free to join the three amigos and make it a foursome
Singh,
You are welcome to continue to support the dictator Commodore Bananas and live under military rule for the rest of your life
SHAM
Boy you sound like a bamboo gun, lots of sound and no action.You can say all sorts of names you like about Bai and khayum, but you are merely farting in the wind amigo. Adios.
@ Singh
When even the most ardent Commodore Bananas supporter, Davis, says the following
“You can rail all you like about the military. But the notion that they are fearful of anything – beyond a natural anxiety for this process to proceed smoothly – is laughable. They have the guns and the power and – short of another mutiny – that’s the way it’s going to be whether you like it or not”
You know that democracy in Fiji after 2014 is going to be just like democracy in the old Soviet Union, Zimbabwe, North Korea. By that I mean it is not democracy just military rule with a sham election which gives the dictator a predetermined victory.
End of the day if equality is maintained by the military and democracy is just a cover for crooks, I dont mind living under the military. If democracy means living under morally corrupt people who won’t think twice selling their souls or their country man for money, I would rather live under military. Hell I will join the military.
Vinny,
Why don’t you go back to Fiji and live there right now?See the reality for what it is.
There are problems here in Australia but at least we have the government systems to assist like centerlink etc.But where and who do the people on Fiji go to when the government systems and support services are so lacking?
SHAM
You are a sham so take your comments and shove it up your ass.
hei wilson, I am doing just that, I am an engineer and looking to join newcrest mine in namosi when it opens. cheers.
Good on you Vinny,just make sure the EIA and the subsequent EMP is followed to the minute detail by Newcrest and regular follow up audits are carried out to make sure people of Beqa and the islands located beyond and people down the Rewa delta are NOT affected.You and Newcrest should never ever forget the lessons learned from Bouganville and when you have time watch and read the documentary ” Our Island Our fight ”
Also my wife managed to do some work up in the huge Porgera gold mine up in the remote highlands in PNG a few years ago and she said there is a huge untold environment catastrophe up there.There was heavry armed security up there and I anticipate Newcrest will probably do the same in Namosi given they and your biased slant towards the military
I can now see why you are so strongly pro Bainimarama and military.I hope that your conscience will remain intact from the day you walk in and start working at Namosi to the day you finish your contract.And if you can spend some tme living amongst the very poor,the grassroots and the households and families who really have had to bear the brunt of the economic downturn and so forth then you will realise.
And give my regards to the Turaga Tui Namosi and his whole family
You can say what ever you want Wilson, I am not pro anyone, the only thing I am pro is I want to be considered an equal citizen of the place I was born. If it was not for the first coup, I would not have left Fiji on the first place. My skills give the ability to travel and get employment in any place I wish and it has nothing to do with anyone
I am not contradicting any thing, back in 87 the coup was about etho nationalist supremacy . So i could not live or join the army in fiji . how could I live under that military power. This coup is about equality. You seem to have a selective memory. you can make any argument you want but the RFMF will do what ever they, good on them,
Anyways you say I am a pro bainimarama you sound like you are pro qabagese or sorry qa ra se.
Cheers
Vinnie, Terrior RC is my previous blog name…I decided to at least use my last name from now…it was for security reasons and you know what i mean…that there are thugs still around and if you read c4.5 you get a clear picture that we’re dealing with extremist racists and thugs……
You’ve done well for yourself and i admire that you being an indo fijian (fijian) have dreams for our great country. I do have too..and i’m sure that when the conditions are right that you will contribute to the development of that nation. So will I.
Let not the naysayers detract you from your vision of Fiji. And I know that they will not detract me.
Isn’t it amazing that the so called democracy advocates/neo nationalists have no plans or visions for Fiji other than gaining power. We know that a majority of these guys were chiefs, relatives and other hangers on who had no connection whatsoever with the commoners other than during the village functions…That again demanded the best cut of beef/pork and sea food and the rest had to make do with the leftovers….most of these advocates of democracy have now been left to fend for themselves and guess what….its hard making a living without handouts.
And that brings you and me and the thousands who basically left Fiji with virtually nothing and made it and am willing to contribute….good on you mate.
You know brother, I’ve just come back from Canada and Las Vegas and was always proud to wear Fiji T-Shirt (I have a lot of them) during my stay. On my tour to the Grand Canyon, I managed to persuade at least 3 families to visit Fiji…the friendliest people on earth…One has promised to gift her grand sons graduation to Denarau and one family accompanied me bact to Vegas (living in a different hotel). We had a good chat and already plans are underway for his next holiday in Fiji.
We can make contributions in some form or another and imagine the chain reaction from one trip…you know word by mouth marketing…and what did it cost me…nothing.
Vinny,
Again please don’t be confused.I am not pro Qarase,never been.Down to the guts I hated some of his cabinet ministers and even most of his policies and his party.His cabinet was like that of shortland street.I am not pro Bainimarama either.
My comments have been on the wise use of skills as you seem to be boastful that your skills can find you work anywhere.However with skills come also the responsibilities.Qarase may have been skillful ( or not – depending on how one assess him ) but in my opinion he was not very responsible when it came to the handling of the military and its demands
What I am trying to tell you -is forget about your skills for a few weeks or months and go and live amongst the grassroots on the ground in Fiji and feel for yourself what they have had to endure in these last few years.I am sure you will come back with a little more empathy.1987 is a far cry back.The military may be doing a good job perhaps but at the same time they are inflicting mounting tolls on the economy.When one sits down and calculate the amount of money they have used up year in,year out right from Rabuka’s coups in 1987 can be mind boggling.
One of the many things that confucious did not say ( or he said it ) was ” In a war it is not about determining who was right or who was wrong,BUT counting what is left ” or words to that effect
Again all the best with the Namosi venture.Ratu Suli the Tui Namosi and champion soccer player fof Navua will look after you well.
I take your point Wilson, say reverse everything to pre 2006, qarase is in power, he is borrowing money from FNPF like there is no tomorrow to prop up government projects so the people thing he is doing a great job, he has passed the qoliqoli bill and you tell me what should happen. Should he be left to do what he wants because he is apparently a democratically elected leader or what? please enlightened me as to what should have happened or nothing should have happened and I suppose kick out all the Indians from their land , make them slaves and let them work in the farms and all they get is 3 meals day, the chiefs get most from the sale of sugar because it is their land. You have come up with many intellectual points to prove that nothing is good at grass level, and Indians are selfish because they never used to share any knowledge when you were at usp, so please tell me in bullets points what should Indians do when they were bought from India mostly with a lie that a good job awaits them by her majesties people to toil the land to fill the Csr caucus. Know where do they stand so please tell me.
Ok Vinny,give me this weekend then I will give you a good reply.I just watch the Melbourne rebels beat the Queensland Reds first eh.
On my reply I will just focus on the period 1999 to 2006.I am no authority to comment on the origins of the Indentured labour system which was a creation by the British.I will share a possible solution to the land lease system ( as given to me by a former Lord mayor of Suva and now a top businessman still in Suva )
Its not only Qarase or SDL government who was milking the FNPF.Top businesses were doing it as well using it as their bank/lender.James Ah Koy used it to build his properties.Tappoos did it,Kadavu Holdings did,Natadola and the latest now Air Pacific and even this military government is doing it.Rabuka’s govenrment did it by forming the overpriced Amalgamated Telecom Holdings.
I did not support that qoliqoli bill or the RTU bill.But I am only a voice in the wilderness
anyway more after the weekend.
@ Wilson
Please dont bother. We want to be spared from more of your ‘takes’ on history with its racist and anti-foreigner slant, accompanied by threats of violence agaainst thise who disagree with you.
Your comments on the Suoer 15 matches you watch would be more instructuve than your one-sided analysis of Fiji history
The Great Revelation: Oh I just can’t wait …honestly…ummm I will light up every corner of my house with diyas for the great revelation cometh day weekend. Vegetarian weekend….have to keep away from wife’s belna just by the mere thought of it.
Oh maybe the open Canadian Club.
Oh mabe….WHO FRIGIN CARES
Oh lord spare me from wilson and wilson and vincent and that animal that looks like a horse with white stripes and the other four legged bugger you created that barks and barks….
Bro chand and anonymous are correct you seen to not want to address the core of the problem, the first thing is the post indenture system. I don’t want your selective explanation from some ex mayor who could not do his job probably , no wonder FICAC had to investigated them.
Sorry about some typing error, using iPhone hard to type cheers.
HaHaHa !!!!
Ha..ha..ha..na tamata vakayalo!
Gavui