The battle for equality in Fiji is already lost when Indo-Fijians like the ubiquitous “Colin Deoki from Australia” send letters to the Fiji Times saying, among other things, that iTaukei interests must be paramount and only iTaukei should be designated “Fijians”. In other words, he opposes the common and equal citizenry and the common identity provisions enshrined in the 2013 Constitution and wants indigenous supremacy restored.
How nice of him to say so when for more than three decades, Colin Deoki has lived in Melbourne and as an Australian citizen, enjoys equal status with other Australians and can call himself an “Australian” because that’s where he comes from – Australia. He doesn’t think that a non-indigenous person born in Fiji and whose family may have been in Fiji for generations deserves the same right – to have equal status and be a “Fijian” who comes from Fiji. It is an astonishing proposition and one that is frankly offensive.
Colin Deoki comes from a distinguished family of Christian Indo-Fijians with whom my own family once had a close link. His late father, Andrew Deoki, was a prominent lawyer who became Attorney General. And his grandfather, the late Rev Ramsay Deoki, was head of the Indian division of the Methodist Church and a more senior colleague of my late father, the Rev Peter Davis. In my mind’s eye almost seven decades on, I can still recall my childhood memory of Ramsay Deoki as an imposing grandee of the church who commanded universal respect.
A Marist boy despite his Methodist background, Colin worked in advertising in Suva in the 1970s and was best known for being a member of the local rock band, Ulysses. He moved to Australia after Sitiveni Rabuka’s two coups in 1987 and carved out a successful career in sales while continuing to take a keen interest in Fiji as a regular contributor to the Fiji Times.
It is in the Sunday Times today that Colin Deoki chooses to play a local version of Uncle Tom* and shamelessly betray the cause of Indo-Fijians and other minorities for whom the 2013 Constitution bestowed equal rights and a common identity for the first time.
It beggars belief that someone who has lived offshore for more than three decades would side with those in the Coalition who appear intent on abolishing the constitutional provisions for a common and equal citizenry and a common identity yet don’t have the guts to publicly say so. It is an act of gross hypocrisy from someone who has equal rights in Australia yet suggests that the same should not apply to all citizens in Fiji.
* Uncle Tom: noun: a person regarded as betraying their cultural or social allegiance.
In the interests of transparency, I have form with Colin Deoki, who indirectly attacked me as an “absolute disgrace” to my family in a Fiji Times letter back in January for Grubsheet’s reporting of the allegations against Lynda Tabuya over the incriminating emails and photographs that emerged from Room 233 of the Windsor Hotel in Deoki’s home town of Melbourne. Lynda Tabuya, in turn, reported me to the Fiji Police.
Colin played “knight in shining armour” coming to the defence of the fallen damsel in distress while studiously avoiding any mention of the fact that it was his relative, Victor Lal, over at Fijileaks who had first broken the story of the drug-fuelled “brutal” sex encounter between Lynda Tabuya and her fellow minister, Aseri Radrodro. But he eventually wound up with egg on his face when just weeks later, Lynda Tabuya was stripped of the deputy leadership of the People’s Alliance after its disciplinary committee found the allegations proven.
I said at the time that I was disappointed that Colin Deoki had suggested that I was a disgrace to my family for my journalistic pursuit of the Minister for Bonking and Weed. But it is he who is the genuine disgrace for giving comfort to indigenous supremacists intent on reimposing the tyranny of the majority in Fiji and betraying the interests of its minorities.
From Monday’s Fiji Times…
But in Tuesday’s Fiji Times, Uncle Colin from Melbourne doubles down with the astonishing proposition that non-iTaukei wanting to maintain their constitutional right to be Fijian are guilty of identity theft and are pretending to be Fijians.
Colin, Fijian is an English word for people from Fiji. It doesn’t belong to the iTaukei of Viti. Are you guilty of identity theft from the British for having the name Colin? How do Britons feel about Indo-Fijians like you pretending to be English by stealing their Christian names?
See how ridiculous this gets when taken to its logical conclusion? No, of course you can’t.
Sheesh.
Sounds like a naive 13 year old wanna be sociologist.
And who is he who doesn’t live in Fiji to label those migrants who have made Fiji home as “Fiji Islanders”. They have been labelled as Vulagi in case he is not aware.
And looks like the the very honourable lady minister has planted a Trojan horse inside his mind – what a deluded blind fool.
And by his comments he may still be on the weed that for music bands of his Ulysses era was par de course.
Once all the Indians leave Fiji and native Fijians are left behind, I want China to takeover the country.
Colin Deoki,
You have a very low standard if you think the antics of these Ministers is acceptable. Or were the favours they gave you too tempting for you go to turn down? There are many ethical people that do not agree with your pitiful assessment. One day any favours you received might come to light and you’ll be called out.
In any event you are a man without scruples and integrity. A sell out. That’s gotta suck for you.
Two matters that ‘some’ itaukei have politicised are, one, the national identity of Fijian and, two, the GCC. It is unfortunate that Bainimarama did not first, lobby via dialogue with the traditional itaukei leaders for their backing and alliance to ‘accept’ the vulagi as an equal in ‘name’. Second, that the itaukei leaders’ place in modern Fiji is to elevate the livelihood of his/her people. That the itaukei can indeed have the best in all, education, prosperity, equality, leadership, respect, etc.
Colin Deoki is an embarrassment to human kind. I believe his misguided faith has prejudiced and clouded his brain.
Perhaps Colin can tell us what he is referred to in Australia? Indian via Fiji now living in Australia? F*cking senile idiot.
And when do we all need to get approval from First Nations people to be equal?
What pisses me off is that people like Colin proudly teach their children and their grand children this rubbish. This perpetuates the downward spiral from which Fiji cannot come out of. Why else do you think the idiots in Fiji elected a useless recycled dinosaur fossil from 37 years ago as their PM?
And just to be clear, Colin is a fossil himself.
Perhpas this will lead him to change his mind yet again.
So it’s ok for a married goon to make his way to the married turtle’s room smoke weed & have brutal sax all on govt paid official overseas trip seriously adultery is an old fashioned term these days what message is he relaying
Maybe they were doing in Melbourne, what Melbournians do ?
Shades of when in Rome …………
Just wondering
Akin to pissing on the backs of the minorities and telling them it’s raining…. Go and live in the shoes of one of those who didn’t flee the country and then comment.
The likes of deodick have long thought of themselves as white and superior to other indo-Fijians just because they have anglicized names and grew up in Toorak speaking English and playing cover versions of music. Nothing original.
Underneath all that bluster lives a pea-brained broke idiot. One just needs to read the “letters” and poor attempts at “opinions” in the Butt Times to see through his “intellect.”
How true is that. He does have a superiority complex just because he has an English name and is Christian. But the reality is he is an idiot.
There are so many weak minded people in Fiji. They can’t control themselves, have drug and sex and alcohol addictions, don’t have the moral compass, and are even fine with it. Lying and cheating in all aspects in life is so rampant and normalised in this government with the person at the helm with a long history of affairs, lying and cheating and even a coup no less! A coup is the ultimate betrayal and you’d think after that he’d do better. He will never be better. He does not have the capacity to be something he is not. He’s a shithead with a wife that sticks by him.
But he didn’t run for office to save Fiji and do this for the people, he did it for himself. These people are grabbing all they can. Fijians are way too patient and trusting that everything is going to work out. People have to keep him accountable! He will never be a good person. Fijians need to say they want better.
It all comes down to weakness of the mind, lack of integrity and lack of commitment to be decent humans. I have never seen such low lives in my entire life.
The importance of equal citizenry in any nation, including Fiji, cannot be overstated. Equal citizenry ensures that every individual, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, is granted the same rights, opportunities, and protections under the law. This principle is essential for fostering social cohesion, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
In the context of Fiji, the argument for equal citizenry becomes particularly poignant when considering the historical struggles faced by minority groups. Many individuals born and raised in Fiji identify strongly with the nation and contribute to its cultural fabric; thus, they have a right to be treated as equal citizens. This perspective is vital not only for their dignity but also for the overall development of the country. When all groups feel valued and included, it promotes a more stable and prosperous society.
It is indeed disheartening to see those living comfortably outside, benefiting from freedom and other benefits of equal citizenry advocate for policies in Fiji that seemingly prioritize the interests of one ethnic group over others. Such a stance undermines the principle of equal citizenship and ignores the lived experiences of many Fijians who continue to navigate complexities tied to race, identity, and belonging.
I was trying to dig my notes to see who were the 8 people who were drafted by PM Rabuka in 1990 to legitimize the 1990 Constitution, it included representatives from various ethnic and religious groups. Was one of the Deoki’s one of them? The 1990 Constitution’s focus on ethnic supremacy was a setback for equal citizenry, pointing to the need for robust advocacy for inclusive governance, which was later addressed in the 1997 Constitution.
Having said that, I am not against supporting the disadvantaged, those who are behind or with special needs to receive state support to uplift their living conditions. This support should aim to bridge gaps created by socioeconomic disparities while recognizing all Fijians’ shared identity and collective future. The goal should be a society where every citizen, whether part of a majority or minority, have access to equal opportunities and resources, fostering unity and progress.
Is this ‘The Dr. Mahendra Reddy’, aka Marres? Good points!
Dr Reddy, I very much appreciate your public intervention here. We need more prominent men and women to add their voices to our demand that there be no change to the constitutional provisions for a common and equal citizenry, a common identity and a secular state.
They underpin any legitimate democracy and the notion that Fiji is a “different kind of democracy” that warrants a majority population that is under no threat whatsoever from anyone but themselves asserting their right to paramountcy over other citizens is unacceptable and must be resisted.
I don’t think this Deoki fella should be given time or space by right think people. He is just an empty dholak.
Horseplay:
I have been subjected to lot of name calling from people on the sideline. I gave my eight years to serve the people and was subject to malicious prosecution.
I have undertaken original work while serving as a Minister…my record speaks for itself.
In academia, my research and publication record is at another level…I have published single authored articles in “A” ranked journals.
When you come closer to this record, then you talk to me…
Dr. Reddy
Preserving the iTaukei culture amongst global evolution is indeed important. This would be a worthy focus for the GCC.
But the issue of equal citizenship is separate and shouldn’t be meshed with indigenous culture.
Equal rights and equity in access to wealth is also important. But only narcissists seek supremacy and call it equity.
Any changes to the constitutional sections governing citizenship and the separation of state and religion will erode equality, equity and cement that the current government are nothing more than narcissistic supremacists.
I have never heard of this tool in The Age, The Australian or The Guardian making similar demands? So the indigenous of Fiji should be the only ones called Fijians, but in Australia, this minority-appeasing old fart prefers to lord over as an Aussie.
People of the likes of this fella come to Fiji on an Aussie passport, flashing the bling around, fake accent to boot. Then once in Fiji, the real persona emerges when they hole up at the relos, free loading on the murga, makai and nakai.
This crusty old twat should keep his outdated, partisan opinions to himself and let the rest of the world especially Fiji get on with the business of moving the country forward. Idiot!
Graham, you have done more for Fiji in the last four or five years than Colin could ever hope to accomplish in his lifetime. He is the real disgrace and a ‘useful idiot’ to the indigenous supremacy cause.
Must be Relation of Baiman Prasad
Was having the same conversation with an i-taukei person in New Zealand recently.
His view is that others are vulagi in Fiji.
I asked him if he is an other or vulagi or citizen of New Zealand. He said a New Zealander and a citizen of New Zealand.
It is fine for the elite i-taukei and white washed Colins to think that their entitlement changes when they are in another country but back at home others may as well be the dogs.
This is the mentality we have to deal with.
You should’ve had conversations with the indo-fijian “freedom fighters” and “pro-democracy” idiots in auckland. They are a special breed.
Several of them trooped back to fiji lick slr’ backside and have pictures taken to brag about on their social media.
Their real hope was slr to reward them with a government job or some such, for their long and venomous anti-Voreqe vitriol.
Then, surprise, surprise , the snake turned. They are now considered vulagi!
Good job you suckers! Meet Colin the clown.
Oh yes where are these New Zealand vulagi’s now! lol lol
No where to be seen or acknowledged.
Fake lawyers, builders, and all sorts.
Interesting bunch.
Now SLR won’t even let them near him. Is Tabuya still busy having dinners with them vulagi boys or that has stopped now too! Olei the fake it till you make it pretend lot. But they stayed at fake it. Kaila
Dear Graham,
I have been following your contributions, and while I may not agree with all of your views, I commend you for your selfless pursuit of a better, more peaceful, and prosperous Fiji. Your commitment to this cause, without seeking personal benefit, speaks volumes about your character.
I will continue to write well-researched opinion pieces on important thematic areas to guide the government. I believe that the government should be given four years to prove themselves, allowing the people the opportunity to make an informed decision in 2026. Fiji has the potential to become a model country in the world, but this requires leaders who can rise above petty politics and ethnic divisiveness. I have written an article on the Constitution and the Economy, which was published in FT on 9/8/24, and another piece on the appointment of Financial Services Ombudsman, which was published in FT on 14/8/24. I urge readers to read this.
I hope to see improved performance from the Coalition government moving forward.
The problem in Fiji are people like Sashi Kiran.
Read this article https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/489946/fiji-s-race-issue-political-leaders-seek-to-heal-wounds-and-unify-nation
She mentions that Fiji Indians did not show gratitude.
This woman needs a self check.
Indians didn’t show gratitude?
Look at the economic impact.
Look at the history of Fiji’s independence.
Check who were education trailblazers.
Indians were the leaders in all aspects. They respected and got respect in return.
Our biggest sorrow are these type of Fiji Indian like Sashi. Sleeping at work and probably her whole life being a beh pahendi keh lota (a person without firm identity). She utters shit and reconciliation was one of her ideas too. This is why Fiji Indians are under so much hate and racism. She labels us as ungrateful.
Oh my my ! Colin Deoki eh, the “Marist” boy? I know his type, being a Muanikau and Suva boy myself. Pretend goras (funny how my spellcheck corrected it to ‘goats’. Wonder why). Churchgoers, at the feet of a Vulagi supposedly superior being and mingling with the real goras so the white would rub off on them. Speak Hindi? Not them, too busy acting ‘cool’.
I too was a Marist boy both Suva St and Bau St, and met a lot of these fakirs who thought education stopped once you read Macbeth or could quote a line from Julius Caesar. Thank goodness some of us educated ourselves a lot further and can now see through these opinionated bullshit artists. Wouldn’t have a clue about Ministerial responsibility, Ethics or Governance to mention a few, and dare speak on behalf of a Government Minister who breaks the drug laws of a foreign country, roots another Minister while being married, and then lies to an equally dysfunctional PM? WTF?
Go pluck a string and sing Baby Come Back or Ten Guitars ! Or even better, register yourself with our wonderful Mr “Idiots everywhere” above.
Vinaka GD, take his comments of you as a compliment.
Fiji is a dual society, rural itaukei who now form the minority, andthose who choose to live in towns and cities, now the majority.
Life in villages is based on a subsistence economy, meaning outside the cash economy, it’s a hand to mouth arrangement. For many decades itaukei have been able to live a good life from the bounties of nature, but no more.
The free gifts of nature have been depleted. Those who chose this lifestyle are now considered as the absolute poor. Why should the nation be held back by the values and norms of the minority who make up the largest group of the absolute poor?
Equal citizenry and a secular state are universally accepted as the basis for any nation. Itaukei can have their group rights to live the life their fore fathers have lived, but it must not be allowed to hold back the progress of the nation.
“When you come closer to this record, then you talk to me,” the following quote on this thread from former Fiji First Party Agriculture Minister, Dr Mahendra Reddy encapsulates the deceit, arrogance, holier than thou attitude and out and out racism of the former ruling party that make up the old Fiji that thankfully our nation has moved away from.
Dr Reddy is an academic who fled Fiji for New Zealand after finding himself in opposition and unable to stomach having to live a life as opposition parliamentarian at a salary of $60,000 a year, a substantial cut from his 200k salary he had gotten used to as a FFP Minister.
He came back to a job at USP to suck off the public teat after Biman Prasad recommended him to his mate Alluwhlia.
This arrogant buffoon now dares to tell we lesser mortals not to dare question him unless we have published in peer reviewed journal or occasionally contribute a full page article praising his mentor Biman Prasad’s decision to appoint a Financial Services Ombudsman.
Knowledge progresses through questioning, and any academic worth his salt should be encouraging dissent from received ideas rather than arrogantly placing himself apart from the pedestrian thought of we the masses.
Dr Reddy should first learn the correct pronunciation for a female horse before judging others.
This is about establishing the importance of a proper democracy through the retention of the common and equal citizenry, the common identity and the secular state. Whatever your views on Dr Reddy, he has had the guts to become one of the first prominent people to enter this debate on the side of what is right. And for that he deserves to be commended.
For weeks, I have been asking whether the constant bleating about changing the constitution includes turning the clock back and making the minorities second class citizens again. And it is to the shame of people prominent in public life that almost all of them won’t address the issue. Mahendra Reddy has and he deserves our thanks.
My response:
200k Salary:
I had a $200k salary only briefly when I served as Education Minister. After that, I earned $50k for six months. Upon my return to Cabinet, my salary was $180k, which was subsequently reduced due to COVID-19.
USP Job:
I applied for the vacant position and was appointed based on my CV. Within six months, I published four journal articles, including one that is “A” ranked.
Arrogant Buffoon:
That’s an interesting perception. I won my seat in three national elections and received the fourth-largest votes in my party. The ordinary people don’t find me arrogant, but perceptions vary. I respect your opinion and will leave it at that.
Praising Prof. Biman Prasad:
He deserves praise for implementing what I proposed to the then Finance Minister in 2011.
Knowledge Progresses Through Questioning:
Knowledge is expanded or created through scientific methodology, not through unfounded accusations and personal attacks.
Personal Attacks:
During my time as Minister, I held a public office and welcomed public scrutiny, which inevitably brought various accusations. Now that I am out of public office, unsubstantiated personal attacks should cease. I encourage thoughtful discourse.
Pronunciation for a Female Horse:
I accept that I made a mistake, and Graham made a big deal out of it and i didn’t utter a word then. Let’s move on.
Dr. Reddy
Since when does Dr Mahendra Reddy “enter the side of what is right”
His whole career has been based on entering the side that benefits himself.
He was a close associate of Dr Ganesh Chand at the FNU, wrote budget speeches for Khaiyum that justified his biased policies, among his other consultancy work for the Fiji First Party was giving a thumbs up to FFP’s poverty alleviation strategy in Vanua Levu where millions upon millions were spent smd there is nothing to show for it today; then when he entered politics he sold out Dr Ganesh Chand and was himself suspended for publically threatening the people of Ra that they would have their government assistance withdrawn if they did not vote for government. Yet he was part of the government that scrapped the Rakiraki sugar mill and brought the sugar industry to its knees.
A secular state and an equal citizenry does not need to be publically supported by Dr Mahendra Reddy’s for it to go through, he obviously sees it as an opportunity to launch himself back into public life on the side of good.
His track record speaks for himself.
I have already said that these are side issues to the main concern here – the secret agenda to once again tilt the playing field in national life in favour of one ethnic group.
That’s not democracy but the worst kind of gerrymander. And I repeat. I don’t care what their backgrounds are. We desperately need men and women of goodwill to take a stand against this outrage and in favour of the principle of One Nation in which all citizens are equal. And I applaud Mahendra Reddy for doing so.
To All Commentators,
We can continue to reflect on the past, but it’s important to recognize that many factors influencing our situation were not fully within our control. While there are aspects we cannot discuss due to confidentiality, dwelling on past issues can lead to a significant waste of our time, energy, and resources. The reality is that we cannot change the past.
Instead, we need to focus on the pressing issues before us as we strive to build the Fiji that everyone wants to be a part of.
There are significant developmental challenges in maritime and interior areas, where some villages lack basic necessities such as access roads, clean water, electricity, quality school infrastructure, and medical facilities—services that we often take for granted in urban areas. These are the issues we should be discussing and exploring ways we, as a community, can help address. Your involvement is vital in urging the government to expedite resource mobilization in these crucial areas. We also need to address the formalization of squatters.
Additionally, we are aware of potential reviews of our constitution, and we must consider how we can ensure it reflects our ownership of the country where we were born…or risk being treated as second-class citizens.
Your time and energy are precious. Let’s focus on these important matters.
Dr. Reddy
Yes indeed so much time and other resources unfortunately have to be spent refuting, correcting, putting right the constant false, biased, misinformed, absurd, silly and petty and racist accusations.
Jealousy is a common denominator in much of the above. And the occupation of less developed minds: In a developing nation like Fiji, it is not only the road infrastructure, education services, medical services etc etc. It is only reasonable that cognitive function is not quite up to developed society standards as well.
If Dr Reddy and anyone else has sound points they should be embraced. If the message is debatable or questionable, then challenge it fairly without abuse, swearing, hatred or other vices. Critic the message – not the the persona of the messenger.
Society’s civic human development is an area that also needs evolutionary improvement in the progress of the nation – not only better roads and hospitals. And this is where every individual (commentator) can try real and profitable change for betterment….not something left to someone else to resolve.
Dr. Reddy, thank you for your contributions in government, nation-building, education and academia.
Thank you for picking up the mettle in this space with resolution and strength of spirit. No doubt, your contributions will help us better understand the issues that worry us all.
Salutations also for remaining in the public space after your service as a public minister, knowing that some will pass uncomplimentry and unthoughtful remarks.
Remember that haters will hate. Stupid is as stupid gets. You can’t fix stupid.
We hope you continue to do good and share your wise counsel for the greater good. Best wishes.
GD – Is it possible that Updates that are made to the original document are identified. So that we know which part is the added part or amended from original. Many thanks.
If you are referring to the letter to Lynda Tabuya, this is the entire document. Nothing has been amended. I screen-shotted it from a copy of the original and it appears as it is only because I had to take two screen shots to fit it into the formatting.
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Just referring to your above caption – with the UPDATED you have noted at the end.
This implies there is some change or addition to original content.
And generally in any of your posts for any subsequent changes made to original post that is noted as Updated.
If we know what the update is then it’s easy to just see that in context.
Just like eg the Track Content feature in MS Word…let’s you see changed or edits. Thanks
Yes that’s what it means. It means I have added additional material to it. I assume people are intelligent enough to see what has been added. But maybe not.
Graham, you’re confusing Colin the klown even more now. head is spinning enough already with so many contributors ripping him a new one already. Lol!
Nothing to do with a readers intelligence.
You are ridiculing yourself with that reply. Ask someone else if you wish about the concept of easily identifiable changes on a document. Tracked Changes.
Eg if a lawyer added a new clause to a contract and the amendment was somewhere in the middle of a document rather than in an appendix which noted any extras , would you expect an interested party to sit with a copy of the original and the changed document to go line by line to see what/ where the change was!
It is a protocol to follow that if one makes changes, the changes are easily identified. Other than this illustration I give up.
I can’t do track changes on WordPress. I supposed I could say “this has been amended to add Colin Deoki’s latest response to a letter in the previous day’s Fiji Times” but why not just scroll down to the end and read it? It is clearly marked as an update. That’s what I mean about relying on the intelligence of my readers to identify the update.
Mr Deoki, I have ready your recent article on Fiji and am disappointed like many others who have responded. GD’s analysis is spot on with which I totally concur.
As a concerned citizen of Fiji, I find your commentary disappointing and out of touch with the current realities of our nation. It is disheartening to see such remarks from someone who has been distant from Fiji for an extended period, having relocated to Australia. Given your absence, it’s understandable that you might not be fully aware of the moral, social, and political challenges our country is facing today.
We have long respected the contributions of the Deoki family to Fiji, but your recent comments risk undermining that legacy. Your words have the potential to harm vulnerable communities in Fiji, and they seem to be more about grandstanding than offering constructive insights.
Imagine if, in Australia, you were treated as a second or third-class citizen, denied the fairness, freedom, and benefits you currently enjoy. Your perspective would undoubtedly be different. It’s easy to critique from a distance without fully understanding the complexities on the ground.
I urge you to research thoroughly before making public statements that can deepen divisions within our community. If you lack the expertise or the current context to provide constructive commentary, it would be more prudent to refrain from doing so otherwise you will be inflicting much damage to the community that you originally come from and should serve.
Your comments come across as self-serving, out of context, and unfortunately, they do not reflect the esteem in which the Deoki name has long been held in Fiji. I hope you will reconsider your approach in the future, for the sake of our nation and its people.