The Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, has told an iTaukei radio program that the government is going to the Supreme Court to try to restore the provisions of the 1997 Constitution, which would mean the end of the common and equal citizenry and the common identity.
It would also end dual nationality, with vast implications for those Fijians who have established themselves in other countries and former Fiji residents who have been lured back to invest in Fiji.
It is a full blown assault on the rights of the minorities and whether you are Indo-Fijian, a white Fijian, a Fijian of Chinese ancestry or from other Pacific Islands, the effect is the same. The Coalition intends to reduce us to second-class citizens.
There it is, Fiji, and it couldn’t be more clear. Now we know why the Coalition has continually refused to clarify which part of the Constitution it wants changed. It wants the whole lot changed. And the clock wound back nearly three decades to 1997.
If it succeeds, it would mean that your vote will be of less value than that of an iTaukei. It would mean you will no longer be “Fijian” but a “Fiji Islander”.
Next – with the threshold for constitutional change reduced to the same level as the Coalition’s numbers in the parliament and no referendum of the people – other provisions of the 2013 Constitution will be under immediate threat.
This includes the secular state. Because we know that the indigenous supremacists driving this assault on the rights of the minorities want to enshrine Christianity as the state religion in an altered Constitution.
It has just happened in Papua New Guinea. But the difference between PNG and Fiji, of course, is that we have significant numbers of Hindus, Muslims and other religions and PNG doesn’t.
What the Coalition plans is a full blown assault on national unity by marginalising up to a third of the total population of Fiji. And the really unforgivable aspect of the whole plan is that they have been so dishonest, up to and including trying to hoodwink the opposition into supporting their agenda in the parliament last week.
It is bordering on evil. Because through subterfuge and crude trickery, the Coalition – including the loathsome betrayer, Biman Prasad – have concealed their true agenda.
The minorities must band together as a matter of urgency and fight these proposals. Remember what this means, Fiji, if they succeed. It means that you and your children will be forever second-class citizens.
In other countries, minorities have taken to armed struggle to defend their rights to equality. And given what happened with the armed resistance movement in 1987, it may well be no different in Fiji if this madness continues.
So the stakes could not be higher. For law and order, the economy, jobs and Fiji’s international standing. Because no country in 2025 can embark on a concerted program to disadvantage some of its citizens on the basis of race and not face global condemnation.
- There is still time for the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, and those around him to pull back – to give an assurance that no citizen in Fiji of any ethnicity or religion will be disadvantaged by what they propose.
- If they refuse to give that undertaking, it will be time for the RFMF to perform its constitutional duty to intervene to protect and defend the rights of all Fijians.
- And if it refuses to do that, then all bets are off. We will be entering a dark new era of confrontation and uncertainly, with all that will mean for national stability. A profoundly dangerous period in which the unity of the country will be taken to breaking point.
It didn’t have to be this way. Sitiveni Rabuka pledged before the last election as he campaigned to secure the votes of people who doubted that he had abandoned his ethno-nationalist agenda of 1987 that he had changed and would govern for all.
We were tricked and deceived. In truth, we now understand that he has always intended to wind back to clock – to abrogate the 2013 Constitution and dig up the level playing field in Fiji. He must not be allowed to succeed.
Do not vote for the People’s Alliance, the NFP or SODELPA if you want a future of equal opportunity for yourself and your children and you believe in the principle of Fiji working together as One Nation.
They have embarked on a secret course of action to entrench indigenous supremacy. And it must be stopped.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY AM;
For anyone tempted to think that Grubsheet’s analysis is alarmist, we are reminded of the current political reality by the veteran ethno-nationalist, Jioji Kotobalavu – Laisenia Qarase‘s permanent secretary who now teaches law at the University of Fiji.
- Frank Bainimarama is gone for good and the remaining ex-FijiFirst politicians in the Opposition have no chance of making the 5 per cent threshold at the next election.
- With the support of the Group of 11 led by Ioane Naivalurua – which now includes the two new FijiFirst Indo-Fijian defectors – Sitiveni Rabuka is set to achieve a landslide victory and will be unstoppable.
- The only hope for the minorities is to unite politically with enlightened iTaukei behind a leader who will fight for equality – the common and equal citizenry, the common identity and the secular state. And even then, if Korobalavu is right, it is too late to stop the Rabuka juggernaut and avert catastrophe.
Yet behind the veneer of inclusion, Sitiveni Rabuka is still going to have the numbers to get his way. And we are already seeing the arrogant dismissal of anyone who dares to suggest that there is inherently nothing wrong with the 2013 Constitution and that, in fact, it offers more protection for iTaukei rights than ever before.
So, Fiji, Far from being a spent force, Sitiveni Rabuka strides the political scene like a colossus. As long as he remains healthy, he will dominate the next parliament and beyond.
There is zero chance of him standing aside for Manoa Kamikamica or anyone else. Which explains why he can wear his gold Rolex whenever he damn well pleases while choosing to “remain silent” about its source and toy with any potential rivals like Manoa Kamikamica and Lynda Tabuya at his pleasure.
Only the wise know how much the old man’s dominance of Fijian politics is a disaster for the nation as a whole.
How will this happen? Even the courts can’t rule a return to the previous constitution, because the current constitution is structured to prevent this from happening altogether.
There is one obvious way out – the military moves in and dismisses the current government and the rapist pedophile president. They then abrogate the constitution and appoint a civilian caretaker government to establish a new constitution, then call for elections within one year. The president is reappointed to an “acting” capacity.
The “caretaker” government is made up of all the current idiots in power and they immediately re-implement the 1997 constitution, then proceed to elections and winning it because they have restored a very racial and biased constitution.
This is the only way out of this quagmire as horrible as it seems.
The rest of the world looks on, shrieking and clamouring while Rabuka lifts his sulu, showing his shiny bum and says “I reserve my right to silence.”
By making the geese that lay the golden eggs second class citizens, it is not only disadvantaging the geese. When the geese fly away and/or stop laying the golden eggs that feed EVERYONE, the entire ecosystem loses – even those that have been made constitutionally superior than the geese. Stifle the goose – but at your own peril.
Kamikamica is a old disaster hanging on to Siti for salvage. Time for Lynda to move to the next party 🥳 for leadership role.
What’s wrong with being called a Fiji Islander..Indians who have Australian citizens are called Australians, not Aboriginals…
I have decided I cannot help some people. Crikey.
What…oh wow. Common sense is not so common these days 🙄
Don’t worry GD I’ll have a go . Laz says you obviously are stupid. Of course if you are a citizen of Australia you will be known as an Australian. Hence. if you are a citizen of Fiji either by birth or naturalisation you should be known as a Fijian. The ethnicity of any citizen has got nothing to do with it sh#t for brains!
Laz should put up his hand and say “I am a dickhead, and i don’t know it”. Except now you have been told.
They are called Australians. All of them as nationality.
Do you even get the difference in what you are writing mate?
Similarly Indians and everyone else in Fiji are called Fijians and not itaukei.
Native land ownership is entrenched in the 2013 Constitution and it is not in the previous Constitution even in the 1997 version which was exploited by the corrupt SDL and SVT governments in the 90s and early 2000s.
So the end of the world is coming.
Nostradamus was correct after all
Aunty Shame-mi-ma will be so happy with this news. Lay the red carpet when she arrives back in Nadi from Cook Islands.
She will tell her Indian clients that they don’t matter any more. Their hardships will just get worse and harm is surely going to rise.
What will she do?
Dance to Rabuka.
She is good at that.
Hold a vigil candle light march.
Who is listening this time?
Not a soul.
The likes of Shamima, Richard, Biman, and whatever is the name of that chutney minister for women now can hang their heads in shame. You are the bastards that no Indians need. Shame on you all for selling Fiji’s minority out to these racist swines.
She can dance—especially on the night of the 2022 election. Shameful Shameema, Richard Naidu, and Biman Prasad. Oh yes Chutney Minister and the drunk Minister included. They are all educated, of Indian descent, and all witnesses to the events of 1987 and 2000.
After 1987 and 2000, they knew exactly what the mob, the looting, the burning, the instability and the racism looked like.
I blame them— especially the Richard Naidus. In 1987 they had the lovo prepared for themselves. the Professor Biman Prasads, Shashi Kirans and the Shameful Shameemas of Fiji. They had voices. They had platforms. They had newspaper columns, headlines, websites, and social media.
Now, we bear the consequences of their actions. VAT and duties have increased our cost of living. Crimes against women and children are on the rise. Racism and discrimination are escalating.
So the elite iTaukei want racist apartheid “legally” enacted by The Court in Fiji?
In Africa, 21,000 people died from political violence during the racist apartheid era.
How many will die in Fiji from political violence during the upcoming apartheid era?
Bear in mind at least three tonne of meth was easily smuggled into Fiji, so it is highly likely many guns have already been smuggled in. Remember that the Indo-Fijians have learnt not to trust Rabuka, so they WILL prepare!
The truth is undeniable: the Coalition government has no intention of amending the 2013 Constitution; instead, they are desperately seeking ways to dismantle it and create a new constitution that will enable them to consolidate power. They aim to craft a document in which the Itaukei and the Great Council of Chiefs will hold supreme authority, while turning Fiji into a Christian state.
Kamkamica’s recent statement has exposed their true agenda—they don’t want to amend the constitution – they want to obliterate it. This is the mindset of Rabuka and his ineffective ministers, bloated with high salaries and indulging in frequent overseas jaunts.
Their priority is not the wellbeing of the economy or addressing the struggles of ordinary Fijians, who are grappling with the soaring cost of living, nor is it the growing exodus of Indo-Fijians. The Coalition government remains indifferent to these pressing issues.
Figures like Biman and his NFP colleagues Sashi and Agni, PAP appeaser Charanjeath, along with the two newly aligned Indo-Fijian turncoats supporting Rabuka, care nothing for their own community. Their actions, especially Biman’s, are unforgivable. His selfishness, arrogance, and complete disregard for the Indo-Fijian community’s welfare make him nothing more than a self-serving opportunist, obsessed with his own status in government.
Where is Biman’s supposed commitment to democracy? How can he remain silent on a proposal that threatens to erode equal citizenship, dismantle the common identity of all Fijians, and undermine secularism? His actions, which betray the very values he claims to represent, are a direct threat to the future of the Indo-Fijian community and other minorities in Fiji.
Indo-Fijians and other minorities must stand up and support the opposition in preserving their status.
Why are people surprised? This is what you get for voting in Rabuka. Even if you supported NFP because you hated the FFP, you’ve directly allowed this to happen.
This is what you get when you vote based on personal reasons/hatred as opposed to thinking strategically.
Spot on ! I will add – same goes to the Viti Levu people who supported SLR because of their hatred towards Bainimarama. They were deceived into having a chief from Nadi as the President. Look what SLR had in mind all along – his own frailed chief who can’t make a rational decision or maintain a military posture at the military parade. This is elderly abuse.
GD. Also don’t forget that a return to the 1997 constitution will mean the restart of communal voting. All the nonsensical and racist fijian seats, Indian seats and open seats business. This will surely lead to an increase in the further polarizing of our country.
Rambo wants to f**k fiji to glory before he hangs up his sulu for the last time. He doesn’t give a shit what happens to the very fabric of our nation, just as long as he is in power until his last breath. In the process he will throw anyone under the bus or trample upon anyone’s rights…Just as long as it’s not his.
He really is Satan’s vice regent on earth. The more baritone the voice the more bullshit he coughs up. He is the epitome of con, a bullshit artist personified. He will keep doing this because he knows the generation he brain washed and poisoned with his bullshit since 87 just love his antics and hang on to his every evil word as the gospel truth. In order for fiji to be a modern and free nation where all are treated equally under a functioning independent legal system, many like Rabuka must die off very soon.
Graham, remember me from Facebook? You made fun of us, posted our photos, you went through our profiles, screenshot and posted our friends photos, called us “Brotherhood ”
The very thing you are calling Biman and Rabuka now are our words. We were reminding all that a vote for Biman is a vote for Rabuka. Go fix it Graham, it’s you, Shalendra Raju, Rajen Chaudhry, Ben Kush, Sashi Singh talking point, etc and the whole lot of you who have put Rabuka in power. Its you and others to blame
FIX IT GD, FIX IT FAST, YOU WILL LIVE WITH THIS
I don’t remember you, as it happens. Funny that. But anything you say.
Good morning
I accept my part in assisting the coalition get into government. I do not support the scams, scandals and serious breakdown in the rule of law, good governance seen in the last 27 months. Let’s hope we can unseat them in 2026.
Good for you, Shailendra Raju. I have already expressed profound regret for urging people to vote for Biman Prasad and the NFP as a means of keeping the bastards honest. Like many, I had no idea they were bastards themselves.
Unfortunately, while I think Biman Prasad is toast, we are not going to be able to unseat Rabuka (see Jioji Kotabalavu’s analysis added to this posting Wed AM)
Vinaka Graham. Have a great day.
How can you two, many on this forum and hundreds of thousands in Fiji be sooo stupid. That is what I cannot fathom. You all wanted a proven nutcase from 38 years ago to fix Fiji’s problems. A well known racist crackpot. How can so many people be so stupid all at the same time?
I guess it is common and I should not be surprised . It’s happened in the USA . It happened in Hitlers Germany and there must be other examples. I am sure it will happen again.
In the end, it has to do with hate. Hate makes people go blind. Hate based on ethnicity and hate based on religion. And then you all apologise and regret. Sound familiar?
Shailendra Raju. Don’t forget you little pip squeak dogla that in your rabid quest to get rid of Fijifirst you and your mates like the fat gandu Rajendra Choudhary resorted to all sorts of evil tactics. You character assassinated people, made wild unsubstantiated claims, made false accusations about corruption and resorted to every lie that the devil can think of. But the most satanic thing you gormless bastards did was to create racial and religious divisions just in order to further your political aspirations.
Nothing was sacred for you swines. The ends justified all means for you political bajarus. You arseholes will always be responsible for the serious polarization of fiji that we are currently witnessing. You lot will burn in hell for that and have a very miserable ending sooner or later.
It’s one thing to play politics but it’s downright evil to make communities suspicious of each and start inter religious and racial conflicts just so that you can gain a chance to get some political advantage or maybe even get a chance to stand for certain racist party’s like PAP. And where has that gotten you? All the masi polo with rabuka and Lynda etc..where has that taken you?
You are back in Fiji on the back of your support and groveling to them but they have ignored you and you have nowhere to go and nothing to do except sell cars and make renovations to your house. You built an office with no office work to do. It’s bloody laughable. Your blatant Islamophobia to curry favour with PAP was all recorded you swine.
Even people like GD got influenced by you lot when in the early days of his hate towards the former AG he made subtle references to the “TALIBAN” etc. All of you deserve to die a horrible and painful death cos like the racist con artiste rabuka you poisoned peoples minds and brain washed simple fijians into hating minorities.
“Pip squeak dogla”. Nice one. I wish I’d thought of that.
I have never sanctioned the use of the description “Taliban” in relation to ASK or the Constitution and warned readers not to do so as recently as a couple of days ago. Nor have I ever promoted racism of any kind or stood for anything other than a multiethnic, multi-religious Fiji.
So I surely deserve a slightly less “horrible and painful death”. Crikey.
Frank’s and Aiyaz’s ego got the better of them. Not to mention the corruption. Aiyaz thought his father owned Fiji – even tried to change the Fiji flag design for his father after removing the queen from our currency – part of Islamist railing against the British. . Aiyaz’s younger, bro thought FBC was a family, business. Look at the car he was about to purchase!
By ordering the arrest of Biman and solicitor general on Hinduism most auspicious day, ASK was sending a hidden message. Either your head is too deep in Ayaz’s bowels or you, as a Muslim, think we are stupid. Aiyaz and Bainimarama deserve what they get. They are where they are today because of their own arrogance, which is how they alienated their supporters, you pipsqueak, moron. And don’t you dare try to justify Fiji First behavior on what the current government is doing. The current government learnt from Fiji First. The Fiji First government left a terrible legacy for which the entire country is suffering. You realize this once you get your own head out of your arse. Unless you do that you’ll remain stupid and confused by the smell of your own fart.
Nice.
You’re the epitome of swine yourself, Anonymous. lol…
While the coalition have proved themselves unfit to hold public office, Ask & his fellow conartists are NEVER coming back to power. Good riddance forever to that puaka-kaisi!
I agree. Over the years, some highly educated and influential figures chipped away at Fiji First, swaying voters. But for what? Sure, Baiman, “Minister Chutney” and the Drunken Minister secured their ministerial positions—but what about everyone else? What have we actually gained from these last two years, bought and paid for? Think about it your man George Speight free and Frank Bainimarama sent to jail. An embassy in Jerusalem. For what?
I feel for Fiji’s working class, now facing the grim prospect of returning to the 1997 mindset—a step backward that will do nothing again good for you.
Frank Bainimarama survived an assassination attempt in the barracks during the 2000 coup, yet he stood for everyone. Most of all he got Fiji through the worst Category 5 cyclones and COVID. He literally held the racist mob back for 16 years and allowed us to break out of the 2nd Class Citizenry status.
That is true courage. We voted for him and the 2013 Constitution, he earned overwhelming support in 2014, 2018, and even in 2022—where he remained the most-voted-for leader, defeating Rabuka.
Frank earned overwhelming support in 2014, just scraped back in in 2018 and was scraped out in 2022. The warning signs were there all along about the FijiFirst duo’s arrogance but they refused to heed them. Alas, we now have much worse.
So if they bring back the 1997 Constitution then what happens to their appointment under the 2013 constitution, under which they are currently ruling?
F**king retards and monkeys ruling this country.
We go back to voting according to constituencies because Rabuka knows his ministers haven’t done much work so they can’t allow those that have worked hard to get the popular votes ! It’s all about PAP coming back to power ! Way to deal with that is to shock Rabuka and ensure Viti Levu doesn’t buy his BS anymore !! We vote for a party that can stand up against all these racist pigs and con people !!
Whenever the itaukei nationalist will form a government, their policies are – first and foremost increase their own salaries and perks, make judiciary favourable to the government, employ family and friends, change the constitution, promote vulagis to migrate, and empty the government coffers be it Bationsl bank or fnpf.
Forget about manifestos, policies and visionary thinking. They don’t have any.
There is always a betrayer in the mix like Baiman. Talking about betrayer Baiman, notice in the last few days ANZ’s juniors economist has been forcing himself on the front page of the newspapers through his close links with the Fiji times and Fiji Sun journalists. Baiman actually would have lectured to Kishti Sen as his student at USP. The two not so great economists providing guidance on Fiji’s economy, blind leading the blind.
Who is asking for this economics advise from Kishti whose only experience is google. Search.. Why is ANZ Kishti’s employe the only bank involved in giving evonomics advise to Fiji government and the local dailies. Could this be another potential lead for solving the Rolex Gate issue.
The incompetent Manoa and his power hungry wife won’t stop, Queen Tart will be collateral damage in this power struggle as Rabuka will fight to hold power till he departs. Biman, Richard Naidu , Pramesh Sharma, Ajay Bhai Amrit and Kundan Singh likes may be picked the wrong horse, you will be history like Rambo when Manoa and Ann show strikes – meanwhile the savior of the People and the constitution is getting fat with his new found paycheck and overseas trips – Military should be ashamed of themselves – sold out – shame on every military affiliate who supports this rape of every Fijians rights.
Another penniless chief has risen from her slumber wanting the constitution changed. That Kepa person with an outrageous title like Marama Gone etc. She should be the last one to speak. Pay up your Fiji airways bill first madam. And that Ben fella has become so desperate for a ticket in the next elections that he is has totally lost his mind by supporting so PAP blindly that it’s hilarious. Meanwhile the PM is attending some function for the President wearing a black watch. Cunning person conning the people in Vanua Levu showing that he is a simple person.
In going for the Supreme Court option, Manoa Kamikamica and his PAP colleagues, obviously under the influence of their Attorney-General, Graham Leung, want to see the 1997 Constitution brought back and its same-sex marriage provisions re-enacted.
They ignore what Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum reminded us of in his recent post that during the consultations for the 2013 Fijian Constitution, there was a strong sentiment against allowing same-sex marriage.
I hope the Methodist Church is listening.
Lol… the sky’s not falling, you petrified lunatic. That ground for non-discrimination was copied from the 1997 Constitution by the treasonous shysters..
What’s more, there was NO consultation for Ask/Bai 2013 CON-stitution. What a con! Go suck on a bitter lemon over your treasonous so-called constitution.
If it was a matter of principle as opposed to pragmatism, I would decline any offer by the people who colluded to burn my house down – if and when they realize they did not achieve their personal objectives and offer to rebuild it. Vinaka S Raju and Co.
Power=Pride=Arrogance=Disaster
Power should always be in the hands of the people. We’ve seen it in the Bainimarama government and we’re seeing it now. Power corrupts and those in power become deluded with their own agendas.
Let’s start dismantling whatever is giving them power and ensure they’re not seated in any position of power in their lifetime. May we find a leader who is authentic, humble and is willing to serve the people.
This lot has got to go.
Reminds me of that t-shirt I saw..
“I don’t need sex. The government f$&@ks me every day..-
Is it just me….or do other’s minds go straight to the word “coup” every time a large cache of weapons are intercepted in Fiji?
It’s like drugs. For all the weapons that are intercepted, others will undoubtedly get through.
There’s little that can be done to prevent the destabilisation such news produces. But the leadership could at least stop destabilising national confidence by making irresponsible statements that call into question the security of up to a third of the population.
The problem is that they can’t level with us because their true agenda will really frighten the horses.
Much bias, bigotry and Little rational thinking:
To not know what GDP is an abbreviation of and it’s meaning but able to lead a country on fair and equal rights for the citizenry is better, much better, (Bainimarama) than being an academic professor who knows what GDP is but has co-lead his country into economic and social doldrums and impending implosion ( Biman).
Prior to last elections elements of the biased citizenry were laughing at PM Frank for his 4th form high school education and made the useless Professor a god for his academic profile and simply because the professor was a useful popular tool to dislodge Frank and Aiyaz. And the professor managed to fool many with his empty tantalizing promises.
Similarly the hollow hypocrites condemned AG Aiyaz as a Know it All – because he was well educated if not only formally but also by life experience in many areas of national interest (Min for Economy). So it’s a no no then to be well informed and educated with a good brain? Yet everyone wants to send themselves and their kids to university to be a better educated individual…who expects to graduate with more knowledge than when they start tertiary education…and be know-ledgable in their chosen discipline. Wouldn’t you want your doctor to know a lot about medicine, your electrician to know a lot about his work, the bus driver to know it all about the road and passenger transport rules…
What a lot of irrational, bigoted people we are. Applying bias, nepotism, favouritism, religious and racial bigotry and other dumb criteria in our interactions with those close and afar.
Then reap what you sow.
I am not a big fan of MPC, but what he said about the GCC is absolutely correct. Succinctly said as well.
To get such an arrogant response from the Chairman of the GCC is so disheartening.
We are still paying the price for the 1987 military coup undertaken on the same misguided belief.
When will we, the I taukei finally realise that no Constitution will ever make anything better for us?
The kana loto mentality strikes again.
Lets just stack everything in our favour and sit back and relax.
I am sad and embarrassed to be a native of Fiji.
If you think Lynda is cunning, wait till you meet the future PM’s wife. Ann will not touch the common people with a barge pole. She is arrogant, condescending and an opportunist like no other.
“Manoa knows that this idiotic Chief Justice will rule in favor of the Coalition government. He has been very biased in his rulings so far and, therefore, should not be sitting in that high office. He is a mockery of the justice system in Fiji.
My iTaukei brothers and sisters should be asking themselves what Rabuka has achieved for the majority of indigenous people in the last 38 years. Have the lives of the majority of Fijians improved or gone backward?
I am 100% sure Rabuka will make Lynda the Minister in the coming months as he is very whorishly slippery.”
The Ann, Sera, Saniana, and the other maggots of Fiji make me laugh. Well at least they are better than their husbands in doing what they can post and talk and still mean zero credibility for themselves and their husbands.
What on earth is wrong with our women nowadays!
Bula everyone,
Keep the Citizenship name “Fijian” for all citizens of Fiji (Black, White, grey or pink). Keep the “Fiji Islanders” to formally address the traditional land owners of Fiji.
Welcome the return of the 1997 Constitution which had remained the legal constitution as per the 2009 Court Ruling.
The next step is to conduct the GE under the 1997 Constitution and let’s move forward from there.
Let the legal eagles do their work😊
Reading this and listening to a Rootsrata classic lamenting about indigenous rights in a Lautoka cafe.
The 2026 election is a foregone conclusion. Rambooka will be back as PM.
Bai and Kai are gone. So will fat Inia and the leftover Kai’s boys (and woman). The only way they could ever get back in Parliament is if an election was held under 1997 rules. It is unrealistic to reimpose the 1997 Constituion as then Nailatikau or someone from the 2006 cabinet will have to be PM.
A new constitution that benefits the majority is the only way forward. The Indian shopkeeper and Chinese restauranter will be very happy that all the kaiviti will be coming to them everyday. Everyone will benefit at last.
Temo, the ball is in your Court. Let’s do this and secure the interests of the majority forever.
During the vakasenuqanuqa ceremony yesterday by the people of Cakaudrove to honor their chief ascended to the highest of the land, PM Rabuka was not seen wearing his golden Rolex.
He was instead wearing a black leather watch!
Hmmmmmm. When will Fiji ever see that golden Rolex watch on the wrist of its PM?
Maybe never!!!!!!!!!
Fiji’s political landscape faces a critical juncture as constitutional reform efforts reveal troubling tactics that threaten democratic integrity. The government’s failed attempt to amend the 2013 Constitution – defeated by a single vote in parliament last week – exposes a deeper struggle over power consolidation and institutional legitimacy. This push to lower constitutional amendment thresholds from 75% to 66% parliamentary approval, while framed as democratic progress, risks enabling future authoritarian overreach through legalistic manipulation rather than genuine consensus-building.
The government’s approach mirrors historical patterns of constitutional coups, where technical reforms become vehicles for entrenching power:
– Procedural Manipulation: By seeking to reduce amendment safeguards before addressing substantive constitutional flaws, the coalition prioritizes political expediency over participatory democracy. As Attorney General Graham Leung admits, the government now considers bypassing parliament through Supreme Court interventions, potentially weaponizing judicial processes to circumvent opposition.
– Ethnic Power Dynamics: The 2013 Constitution’s removal of ethnic voting blocs initially aimed to unify Fiji, but current reforms risk reviving communal tensions. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu’s allegations of covert lobbying suggest backroom deals favoring specific factions, contradicting the coalition’s inclusive rhetoric.
“The amendment formula creates considerable barriers even for widely supported reforms… securing a double 75 per cent majority could prove insurmountable”
This constitutional brinkmanship recalls Frank Bainimarama’s authoritarian playbook, where democratic institutions became tools for maintaining control. The current government risks replicating these abuses through legalistic rather than military means.
1. Weakened Checks on Power: Lowering amendment thresholds could enable future governments to alter term limits, electoral systems, or human rights protections with minimal oversight – a concern raised by former Constitutional Commission leader Yash Ghai’s abandoned National People’s Assembly proposal.
2. Civic Distrust: Finance Minister Biman Prasad’s disappointment over opposition resistance overlooks legitimate fears that streamlined amendments might entrench coalition interests. Public priorities like crime (30% increase in drug arrests since 2022) and economic recovery (4.5% inflation rate) remain unaddressed while elites debate procedural technicalities.
3. International Reputational Damage: Fiji’s “partly free” democracy ranking could deteriorate further if reforms proceed without inclusive dialogue, jeopardizing foreign investment and regional leadership roles.
The government’s constitutional fixation neglects urgent crises:
– Economic Neglect: With tourism still 18% below pre-pandemic levels and youth unemployment at 25%, constitutional politicking appears disconnected from public needs.
– Social Fractures: As Deputy PM Prasad admits, the failed Bill was merely “procedural”– yet it consumes political oxygen needed for unifying policies.
Constitution will not feed people nor eradicate the parlous situation towards doom! So, why the expediency?
This crisis demands leaders who prioritize practical governance over constitutional engineering. The coalition’s willingness to “regroup and decide on next steps” through courts rather than consensus-building suggests dangerous resolve to force changes against democratic headwinds.
Fiji stands at a precipice where procedural reforms could either deepen democracy or enable new authoritarianism. As constitutional scholar Yash Ghai warned, “elite-dominated” processes risk repeating past mistakes. True statesmanship would:
1. Halt constitutional maneuvers until establishing cross-party citizen assemblies
2. Redirect energy toward economic recovery and anti-corruption measures
3. Build public trust through transparency before revisiting institutional reforms
The world indeed watches whether Fiji’s leaders will heed these lessons or continue down a path where, as critics warn, “the basic, fundamental form of democracy is again raped!” in pursuit of power. History’s judgment hinges on choosing governance over gamesmanship.
Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right for all citizens to live in dignity.
All citizens demand the right to live in dignity!
Excellent. Some very important points. Many thanks!
Where is that gold Rolex?
Pawned to pay for the bribes from the PM who is hostage to all those who gave him favours?
That is the problem with a criminal’s life: there is always another crim threatening behind the scenes. And no one fades faster than an old crim.
And that is why real governments do their best to elevate and support an ethical police force and law and order.
I am truly astounded that individuals like Joji Kotabalavu, who surface from time to time are so quick to dismiss former FijiFirst MPs as irrelevant for the next election, especially considering they are the main opposition group in Parliament. His claim that Rabuka will return with a majority, despite doing little to nothing during the current term, is nothing short of baffling. Does Joji, like Biman, believe that voters are too uninformed and unintelligent to recognize the actions of this coalition government under Rabuka’s leadership?
Joji should perhaps reflect on his own position and be grateful that he has a job at his age, thanks to the University of Fiji. As an ethno-nationalist, it’s remarkable that the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha hasn’t treated him any differently. People like Joji seem to lack the depth of knowledge and research ability to look at issues with a broader perspective. His thinking remains narrow and one-dimensional. Let’s not forget, he has been a “pet boy” for previous governments, excluding Bainimarama’s.
Furthermore, I was absolutely shocked by the cheeky comment made by the Chair of the GCC regarding MP Chaudhary. He claimed that he does not like to engage with politicians or political parties, yet here he is, supporting the Coalition government and their plan to alter the constitution, without consulting the people of Fiji about what changes they actually want. Does the Chair of the GCC think they are above accountability? Is he part of the effort to enshrine the GCC into the constitution, thereby positioning iTaukei as the supreme race?
The actions of the GCC Chair suggest that the organization is racially motivated and seeks to influence governance in the country. Do they genuinely believe the Itaukeis should be regarded above other races in Fiji? In today’s world, we are all equal, and it’s about time that the GCC embraces respect for others before pushing their narrow agenda. As the Chair, he needs to lead with humility and embody the true spirit of a chief, not act as if Fiji’s future belongs solely to one group.
In other countries, minority races or groups are the ones that are given special privileges.
I have seen nothing done for the grassroot Indians. They had their livelihoods snatched, life’s earnings confiscated when leases expired and currently earn a $4 hour wage to barely survive. They are not rich Gujarati like the Tappoos or Punja. They are ordinary citizens without any support.
However I still dont get it how i-Taukei feel threatened in their own country. They earn millions in lease money, own provincial buildings, access to land , multiple government handouts.
Please explain?
Yes, we need to understand that the poorest of the poor in Fiji are landless, low income Indo-Fijians. At least there is a safety net for most iTaukei. For poor “Indians”, there is nothing. And they deserve our compassion and assistance.
They have Baimaan. What else do they need?
True dat.
The poorest of the poor do vote in droves like lemmingS for baimaan and every labasa MP in nfp.
And they think they get great help from ferriswheel agni, chutney aunty, and choran singh who employs them in his businesses for less than $3 an hour to work 10-hour days 7 days a week.
For sure they are poor and landless with the majority living in informal housing.
It is a true tragedy being displaced and kicked out of generational farming, penniless, with just the shirts on their backs, as it were.
These voters cannot be reasoned with no matter how hard one tries.
Therefore they remain their own worst enemies.
The biggest and most glaring problem is that as a community they remain leaderless and exploited.
Their low economic status, poor housing, grinding poverty, everyday racial harassment and robberies, with next to zero law enforcement support, leave them at the mercy of bullies as they battle for survival everyday.
Baiman then has the temerity to say crime is low and reports of rising crime are exaggerated. Isn’t that nice?
The fact that baiman and the rest of the chamaars they voted for have done nothing for their lot is lost on them.
Tragic conundrum.