As a furore rages in the Indo-Fijian community over four former FijiFirst MPs siding with the Coalition to change the 2013 Constitution, a disturbing video clip has emerged on social media showing an iTaukei man telling an Indo-Fijian to “go back to India”.
Suddenly, the pretence of multiculturalism and inclusion under Sitiveni Rabuka‘s leadership has been blown apart amid the row over altering the Constitution, with all sorts of potential consequences for confidence in the Coalition and racial harmony.
Fiji is again in a dark place as the fears of the minorities that the common and equal citizenry and common identity provisions of the Constitution are now under direct threat go up a notch. As many see it, if the Coalition succeeds in changing the Constitution, it will be back to the bad old days of indigenous paramountcy and Indo-Fijians and other minorities again becoming second class citizens in their country of birth.
First the video clip itself and then the impact it is having on tens of thousands of members of the minorities who have seen it this weekend.
Those reactions understandably include apprehension and fear that the racial genie that Sitiveni Rabuka unleashed in 1987 and that Frank Bainimarama put back in the bottle in 2006 – followed by the first non-racial constitution in Fijian history – is being unleashed again.
Isn’t it grand, Fiji? Just what the country needs as the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and other senior ministers refuse to tell us precisely which bits of the Constitution they want to change if they can get the numbers to do so.
The video has been posted on Facebook by Ketan Lal – the former FijiFirst MP who is now a member of the Group of 16 ex-FijiFirst members who are refusing to join four of their colleagues who have voted with the Coalition to pass the first stage of the Bill to change the Constitution.
Is the clip authentic? Grubsheet isn’t in a position to say. But it sure looks authentic and we know from anecdotal evidence that racist incidents like this have become increasingly commonplace since the Coalition came to power and in the two years since.
Incredibly, instead of being chastened by the reaction to their decision to vote with the government on its Bill to change the constitution, the four rebel ex-FijiFirst members of the Group of 16 have doubled down.
They say they are upset with their colleagues for accusing them of being snakes (naga) and are considering breaking away from the Group of 16.
One of them, Sanjay Kirpal, even allowed himself to be photographed with a sworn enemy of non-indigenous Fijians – the ultra-nationalist Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga. Which is understandably being seen as a spit in the face by those who elected the Gang of Four at the last election to uphold the principles of FijiFirst.
Look at the body language, Fiji. The Grinning Assassin and his colleagues are using the gormless Sanjay Kirpal as a prop and rejoicing in his treachery. Because it brings them one step closer to fulfilling their aim of Fiji for the iTaukei and the likes of Kirpal bowing at the altar of indigenous supremacy.
Yes, these guys have been had. And Sanjay Kirpal and his colleagues are openly portrayed in the pro-government Fiji Times as snakes being charmed and dancing to Sitiveni Rabuka’s tune.
However much it upsets them, these individuals have invited the description of naga (snakes) and dogla (traitors). Because their mandate from the majority of Fijians who voted for FijiFirst at the last election was to uphold the principles of the 2013 Constitution, not work with its opponents to destroy them.
As Grubsheet has reported, there is still time for them to recant before the government’s bill to change the Constitution moves to the next stage in the Parliament on its way to becoming enshrined in law. And they are under intense pressure to do so.
Yet never mind the rebel Gang of Four. What many Indo-Fijians and other members of the minorities want to know is why Rabuka’s Coalition colleague, Biman Prasad, also refuses to say what parts of the Constitution are to be changed and whether it includes the common and equal citizenry and the common identity.
With a blatantly racist video now also going viral on social media, the NFP leader is under intense pressure to respond and outline precisely what his position is. Because if he continues to side with the Prime Minister unquestioningly, he is clearly under existential threat…
…and so are other Indo-Fijians in the Coalition such as Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, who will also feel the wrath of the minorities come the election unless she too takes a strong stand for equality.
If these Indo-Fijian members of the government think that they can bury their heads in the sand as this furore rages, they are signing their own political death warrants.
Certainly last night, social media was in uproar over the racist video clip and Grubsheet was getting messages like the following from Indo-Fijians who are both angry and scared.
Why? Because the genie is again out of the bottle aided and abetted by Indo-Fijians in the government who are in a position to speak out but are remaining silent as Sitiveni Rabuka tries to wind back the clock. To fulfil the ethno-nationalist agenda of his own coups in 1987 and the George Speight rebellion of 2000, which are still seared in the memories of tens of thousands of Indo-Fijians both in Fiji and the diaspora.
And we thought all of that was behind us as a nation, Fiji. It has now come roaring back.
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POSTSCRIPT:
Tragically, there is no point in looking to the formal Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu, to lead a powerful response to racism against the minorities.
He simply doesn’t understand what role he is supposed to play in the political system, which is as his title suggests – to OPPOSE.
It’s why he now gets paid $200,000 a year and a house to live in. But Seruiratu just wants to get on with the government, not hold it to account.
A complete waste of space. And why Mahendra Chaudhry has emerged as the real opposition leader in Fiji from outside the parliament.
The biggest dogla is Biman Prasad. Worse still seeing people like Nirmal Singh the self proclaimed patriot asking Ketan to ignore it as an isolated incident.
This is only the trailer of what is to come in the days ahead.
The saddest bit for me is I have finally realized that some of the very people I’ve worked, studied and shared my meals with all my life are racist. I do know there are many who are not and want to share a prosperous Fiji with everyone else but with the rise of ethonationalists, these peoples voices will be quashed.
I hope people like Biman and Shashi find no peace ever in thier lives.
Kripple-brains Kirpal is oblivious that the ethno-nationalist natives in the photo are laughing AT him, not with him.
Surely, the word “clueless” was originally coined with kripple brained Kirpal and his voters in mind.
The only Natives of Fiji are the plants and animals. They were in Fiji first.
Former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry leading the opposition to this collision government from outside the parliament is embarrassing to say the least about the quality of current MP’s.
As soon as the opposition lost Bai and Kai leadership, they have been totally incompetent and ineffective. Rabuka always has been and will be about racist policies, constitution, ethnic cleansing, GCC, brain draining, corruption and personal wealth aided by laws that suited his agenda.
So we are now left with MPC to lead the charge which could bring him back to the parliament no doubt. Couple of suggestions to MPC to make his final contribution the best one ever. Listen to your advisors and don’t live in this falsehood that you have all the answers. Learn to work in a team, it is not about you. Take the iteukei with you, don’t rush policies like you did in 1999 and scare the hell out of the indigenous. Keep your nepotism out. Your motor mouth good for nothing son needs to continue his exile and stay out of govt or opposition you lead. He is a burden to you. Separate the family and politics and people will feel a different and fair MPC. And for gods sake prepare a leadership successor for your party.
It is MPC now with a coalition of the willing that can save Fiji…..again.
NB.MPC recognising Mr Grubs as the professional competent journalist he is indicates a willingness to break away from “ I know everything” .
Excellent, very well said. You understand politics, specially Fiji politics.
– I was a great fan of MPC till he started acting, “I am the best, I know everything”.
– You need the vote of both itaukei and the others. FB did this so very well, that was his strength.
– please don’t become a proud extremist religious advocate champion (hindu, muslim, christian, budhist, etc.
– you need to win election first to form the government.
– never trust the military support, they are the biggest traitors, MPC should know that better.
– never let power get into your head, always be cautious of all around you, specially the dogla indo-Fijians with you. Most will be loyal but some will come out as snakes. We are just witnessing the situation currently.
Now again, don’t say I know all that. Yes it is basic, but please practice them.
#rolexrambo
We are in the lent period heading towards Easter. And racism is rife even violent on social media. Then we have some more snakes like Nirmal and Ben defending this video asking for full length of the same. One should never defend or justify racism, rapes or any human discrimination by asking for evidence. These people who defend should see videos posted on racism when a driver from government who doing the same a month or two ago. The LTA guy who called the police to bully an Indian lady. All the robberies happening daily.
Do these Doglas not read on social media daily telling the Indians to go back to India? Is wanting to be a politician so important for them that they are selling their souls? It’s absolutely horrific that mostly men write or abuse a race on a daily basis. Yet not one politician, NGO, the sabhas, leagues, churches, stood up to condemn this violence.
Not sure whether the likes of ghanti-bellend Ben and Khalistan maglomaniac Nirmal similarly called for proof of entire action videos featuring the porn and weed queen.
Perhaps because of the enjoyable contents, quality, and authenticity were/are not as important as the porn queen’s brilliant performances.
These turn coat traitors remain silent as the slugs they as their hero SLR’s coalition goes about dismantling good governance through overt racism, corruption, and the systematic purge of Indo-Fijians from the civil service and statutory boards.
These self appointed wanna-be voices are plain ego driven blowhard donkeys.
They will find out soon enough that going along to get along can be risky business, especially when you belong to the most vilified and hated ethnicity in Fiji ever.
If people think the video is an isolated incident, they better get real. Such attitudes and behaviours are rampant in our Fijian society, especially under the current government. One only has to see how iTaukei minivan and taxi drivers, security guards etc intimidate others who often also lack the physique to stand up, and frankly merely want to get on in a civilised way.
Rabuka has given a lifeline to such racist bigots who are harassing and inflicting untold mental and physical anguish on the law-abiding citizens of this country. No point in reporting to the police, wasting hours filling out forms and giving statements and never being given any updates. Only a few which appear in newspapers or videos get looked into with any seriousness.
Also, if one thought it was limited to the relatively ‘uneducated’ or ‘uninformed’ members of the society, better think twice. Until recently Minister Tuisawau was posting his comments only in iTaukei. There is a Semi Tukana, who is now the greatest beneficiary of Rabuka’s racist agenda, in terms of contracts for his Software company (whose real brains ironically once was an IndoFijian IT specialist) using unsubstantiated numbers to whip up support for ‘positive’ discrimination and anti Indo-Fijian sentiments. Paradoxically he sits on USP Council handpicked by Biman and Pal.
As for our own ‘snakes’ and ‘naaraq munis’, our history is full of the details of such traitors. I guess the four judas just join the likes of Baiman, Charan, Agni and Sashi Kiran at a level where their stance matters in the highest decision making body in the land. Our business and religious leaders have been shameless in their selfishness and greed, and stand out for their moral bankruptcy.
And no point in relying on Seruiratu who is merely trying to show he has some ‘other views’. His real face is a man with complete allegiance to Lalabalavu who has sold out to Rabuka and Biman. Just look at the number of junkets he enjoys as part of Government delegations.
Chaudhry gives us some hope.
The 4 Chamaars.
Biman thinks he will become PM of Fiji. Not even in his dreams.
The curse of SM Koya when the chamaars betrayed him from becoming the first Indian PM will remain a curse. Now violent robberies, petty thefts, racism all happening to majority chamaars of Fiji. The Ns know, if they target kaiyums kind, they can see sele Kava landing on their necks.
In year 2000, they did not enter Kaiyums kind house, they entered Prasads house.
So good luck to the chamaars.
Nine. Nine chamaars include 4 of the newest current brain dead chamars, the original nfp chamaar MP crowd and the emiritus chamaar.
The country has already gone to the dogs and to the dog-las. I think it is a bit late to recover from this. There is no one who can be trusted, no one who can be relied upon, there are no standards of any sort. Fiji has become a primitive, Third World country, full of third-rate people – both iTaukei and the vulagi. The people make the country what it is and that is especially true for Fiji.
I think we can blame all the politicians and all the crooks in high places but eventually it is the people who are responsible. The corrupt police, the corrupt LTA officers, the corrupt civil servants and corruption everywhere. The whole country is f**cked up.
The children are taught to be third-rate as well. So the problem perpetuates. It is not rocket science.
Bai and Kai tried to bring about change but eventually they failed miserablly. What iks me is that they could have done so much more in the 16 years they were there but they blew it big time. Thanks to people like we have on this forum. They have no sagacity or judgement whatsoever. It is true for the whole population of Fiji.
Surely one would have to be a first class dickhead, like Baimaan, if one thought that an idiot from 38 years ago would fix things in Fiji? I mean how much more dumb does one have to be to not see that? If ever there was a survey of the most dumb people in the world, Fiji would be proud to win Gold.
Waiting for the full video reenactment from Rabuka’s social media influencer the material shop sales girl. Where she is told to go back to India by her co-star!!
For those who want to see the full video, if there was one, to see the provocation that resulted in the hostile reaction – there is no justification for the Go back to India mentality.
Go back to India ( for medical treatment) is a much more relevant contemporary cliche for Fijians. Rabuka, among others, have made that Passage to India. [a Movie from 1984 of that title]
>>Waiting for the full video reenactment from Rabuka’s social media influencer the material shop sales girl. Where she is told to go back to India by her co-star!!<<
ha ha ha! That would be some lol funny sh1t!!
The incidence of racism is rising.
Recently friends visited Fiji on a cruise ship. In Suva they found themselves and their friends being harrassed because of their race. As a result they all returned to the ship without buying anything.
Once on board they soon discovered they were not alone as other passengers recounted similar happenings, everything from being constantly harrassed for money to being told to go back where they came from.
These experiences get retold to family, friends and others and the image of Fiji and its people is tainted.
If this experience is repeated in places like Nadi, Lautoka and Denarau Island it will soon see tourist dollars go down.
Indo-Fijians should not forgive the four MPs—Kirpal, Shalen, Sachida, and Rinesh—if they vote in favor of the Bill to amend Chapter 11 of the Constitution.
If this Bill is passed, it will signify their submission to Rabuka’s agenda. This move would make it easier for Rabuka to change the constitution with a reduced majority requirement and no need for a referendum.
Once this is accomplished, these four MPs will no longer be needed by Rabuka. They will have completed his mission and will be discarded, becoming enemies and betrayers of their own Indo-Fijian community.
Let’s not forget the four NFP ministers, led by Biman, who have always blindly supported Rabuka. They will go down in Fiji’s history as anti-Indo-Fijian figures. In fact, once Rabuka achieves his goals, he might even abandon the NFP. The PAP and G-9 will likely merge into a single party, leaving Rabuka to freely run the country as he sees fit, with porn and sex artist and drug user, ministers under investigation, compromised judiciary, biased FICAC, inefficient DPP and of course sitting on top of the ladder is their convicted President.
Can we really imagine such a scenario unfolding? It is certainly a possibility.
The sudden upsurge in racist behavior by rabuka supporters happened straight after the elections when there was wiff of coalition win. With rabuka given another chance to f**k up Fiji once again the racists that had been kept in check by Bainimarama for 16 years came out of the woodwork at great speed to gleefully display their racism without any fear simply because they knew fiji’s epitome of racism was always going to have their backs. Thats why it wasn’t long after the elections that rabuka made all the rabid racist comments about the vulagi etc.
This was all calculated to signal his racist supporters that he hadn’t changed into some enlightened Bainimarama type leader but was still good old racist siti who had the backs of all his racist fellow men and women. By continuing to make subtle racist overtones and policies he was giving a very clear indication that it was time to again normalize racism against indo fijians and some other minorities.
And it has been normalized. No longer does any racist hide behind anonymous or fake profiles to spew their hate on daily basis. It’s been quite normal now for the last two years for itaukeis to tell indo fijians to go back to India or where you came from. This is done by taxi drivers, normal folks on the street and even police officers! It’s also quite common now for indo fijians to be openly labeled as kawaca, no cut culinary, no land no culture, Indian dog and carawai pani. (Umm can’t understand the last insult..cos that would mean no skid marks).
So yeah..racism is now normalized in everyday fiji life..its ok to be racist cos the leader of the racists is going to aid and abet hate speech. I recently for the first time got told to go to India by a taxi driver cos I tooted the horn after he cut in front of me illegally.
More indo fijians are getting attacked, indo fijian taxi drivers are getting murdered and attacked, indo fijian houses are easy targets to break ins.
The worst thing is that in all of this the result is racism beats racism. We will soon see a backlash from most indo fijians in the same way and the chaos in fiji will get worse. Brace yourselves. It’s about to get worse.
Navigating the Crossroads of Racism and National Cohesion – a cautionary note.
The recent developments in Fiji, as highlighted by reports of rising racism and political maneuvering, are deeply concerning. The apparent resurgence of ethnic tensions and the alleged betrayal of Indo-Fijian values by certain Members of Parliament (MPs) threaten the very fabric of Fijian society. This moment demands careful reflection and decisive action to steer Fiji away from a path of division and towards a future of unity, equality, and prosperity for all its citizens.
The news that some MPs of Indian and Girmit heritage are seemingly aligning with agendas that undermine the principles of fairness, equality, and justice is profoundly disheartening. The Indo-Fijian community’s history is marked by the hellish treatment of their ancestors through the indenture system. Any actions that appear to betray this heritage and the values it embodies are a grave disservice to those who suffered and sacrificed so much.
The allegations that these MPs are prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of their communities are particularly troubling. If true, this represents a profound failure of leadership and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their constituents. Such actions not only inflict pain on the Indo-Fijian community but also undermine the broader goal of building a cohesive and inclusive Fiji.
The reported rise in racist incidents, including the disturbing video of an iTaukei man telling an Indo-Fijian to “go back to India,” is a stark reminder of the deep-seated ethnic tensions that continue to plague Fiji. Such incidents are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. They threaten to unravel the progress made towards multiculturalism and inclusion and risk plunging Fiji back into a dark past of division and discrimination.
The current political climate, with its focus on constitutional change and indigenous paramountcy, is exacerbating these tensions. The fears of minorities that they will once again become second-class citizens in their country of birth are not unfounded. It is imperative that the government takes immediate steps to reassure all communities that their rights and interests will be protected.
The spectre of the 1987 coup looms large over these developments. The coup and its aftermath ushered in an era of ethnic nationalism and discrimination that caused immense suffering and trauma. Fiji cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Moreover, a slide towards racism and exclusion will have serious consequences for Fiji’s standing in the international community. In an increasingly interconnected world, no nation can afford to isolate itself. Fiji risks becoming a pariah state if it continues down this path.
Fiji stands at a crossroad again. The choices made today will determine the country’s future for generations to come. It is imperative that leaders from all communities rise to the occasion and steer Fiji away from the precipice of division and towards a future of unity, equality, and prosperity for all.
The power of one, as embodied by individual MPs and community leaders, can be transformative. Each of us (individually or orchestrating fairness, harmony and peace for all through those committed to a harmonious, prosperous 21st century Fiji) can make a difference. By standing firm against racism and injustice, by advocating for the rights of all Fijians, and by working together to build a more inclusive society, we can create a Fiji where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Let us pray for Fiji and its people, that they may find the wisdom and courage to overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all. God bless Fiji and our people.
FijiXroads — good thoughts with factual information.
However, if anyone tried to espouse the same noble ideals about peace, harmony, equal rights, wisdom, courage, brighter future, and more inclusive society –say, at the bus station or city streets or public squares – the natives will jump on the messenger (metaphorically speaking) before s/he is half way through.
This is not the message they hear in church.
And if a speaker does not stop, the ethno-nationalists will set upon the speaker for real. The police will then arrest all those beaten up for inciting a riot.
This the sad reality of trying to speak sense in Fiji.
And what is it with Rabukas speech in Nadi saying that a young indo fijian lady advised him in great detail about the smuggle of arms into Fiji in 1987. He says that she personally approached him. I mean really. An Indo Fijian approaching him after the coup? Is he trying to stir the cauldron to incite hatred and tension? I hope he will spill it during the TRC.
The BIG-4 stand for the principles “by the people for the people”, to change the illegal 2013 constitution, what’s wrong with that!
They will go down in history as the Big 4 WHO STOOD WITH THE PEOPLE OF FIJI to change the illegal constitution – what’s wrong with that!
They denied the ethnicity rule and stand on principles for the process to take place
I think GD you should not denied that – the Fijian people especially Indigenous Fijians appreciates that stand for the removal of an illegal constitution made by the two snakes, @ Aiyaz Khayum and your former boss, @Frank Bainimarama
Sigh. You just don’t get it, do you. They came into parliament on Frank’s coat-tails and on the FijiFirst platform of defending the 2013 Constitution. Then without subjecting themselves to the will of the people again, they have betrayed those principles.
That’s what’s wrong with that, you idiot.
GD-There is NO MORE FIJI FIRST in the Parliament nor will it ever return in Fiji politics
the 2013 Constitution is illegal – compiled by treasonous people of AK and VB plus supporters like you – Get that in your head – you idiot and racist!
You’re the idiot, mate. The 2013 Constitution is NOT illegal. It is the supreme law whether you like it or not. And until it is changed lawfully, it remains the supreme law. And there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.
And I’m racist? It has nothing to do with race. I actually give a lot of space in these columns to people with small brains like you irrespective of ethnicity. But I don’t care for the ignorant and malicious because ignorance and malice is contagious.
The problem with GD is that you will always be right in this column of yours irrespective of the court case in 2009 that specifically stated that the treasonous acts of VB & AK and supporters in 2006 was illegal;
Therefore anything they did from 2006 to 2013 are all illegal under the LAW, thus this 2013 Constitution that you advocate a bout is illegal, and you are the prime actor as information master of VB & AK manipulating all the information to suit your masters who paying with our Fijian taxes
Now, after FFP chopped your head off from their kleptocracy regime in 2022 before the GE, your BIG head is trying to tell us that we must DO and DON’T…
Who are you to tell us that??…We are happy that you providing us with some information not publish in the local media, and we credit you for that, but to tell us how we must act and behave is none of your business…we follow the law and we also review the law or constitution for that matter in our own time…
those who are disobeying the laws will be punished in due course as the long arms of the law will get them…
So leave us alone we will get there and stop your anti indigenous Fijians and Vanua, it does not help you or anyone for that matter
Vinaka
So who the f**k are you? I am a Fiji-born Fijian like you and if you want to mess with my right to have equal rights and a common identity using an English word, you can rotate on your index finger.
I’m telling you that the 2013 Constitution is the LAW and you are totally wrong to claim that it isn’t. So bugger off.
Kaiviti-Not-Happy is obviously a prejudiced, racist, God-fearing Christian who probably thinks he is now from the lost tribe of Israel living in the Pacific. These people know everything and they are the best.
I think he is totally unaware that he is prejudiced and racist. So someone has to tell him.
Paula Raqeukai has declared the 2013 Constitution is illegal. She is iTaukei, a God-fearing Christian and an Israelite, so she must be right. She obviously knows everything.
All those parliamentarians, the PM, the President, the CJ, Police Commissioner, RFMF Commander, Navy Commander and all the other idiots in Fiji swore an allegience to uphold this Constitution. So all their appointments are illegal because the Constitution is illegal. So we do not have a government or a judiciary or anything else. Paula is a legend….. in her own mind. How many more like her are there in Fiji. And that is the main problem in Fiji, not the government.
If the Constitution is illegal, why are they having problems removing it?
I think you’ll find Paula is a he. iTaukei for Paul.
Regardless of what people say Bai and Kai put a cap on racism and where it was evident, they were swift in getting that addressed which people said was suppression. Now that they are not there, the opposition is in a shambles but it’s a good thing. It shows who are real and who are fake. It allows opposition to drain the swamp. If Kai and Bai don’t return to politics which is probably going to be the case then what is the alternative? Alternative cannot be this coalition who are underperforming in all areas. Labour, Unity and current opposition (excluding the snakes) should form a coalition and work towards Making Fiji Great 👍 NFP must be ditched.
While it may be seen that someone is being anti- itaukei or anti Vanua, being anti- idiots or anti-anarchist may also be aptly applicable.