So the lawyer for the People’s Alliance – the dominant party in the Coalition government led by Sitiveni Rabuka – tells the Supreme Court that as far as the PAP is concerned, the 1997 Constitution giving paramountcy* to the iTaukei is still in force and it doesn’t recognise the 2013 Constitution that gives the minorities equal rights.
Well at least we now know where we stand – those of us who might be Indo-Fijian, kai valagi like me or the other non-iTaukei citizens of the nation. After months of refusing to tell us precisely what parts of the Constitution they want changed, we now know that the ruling party wants the whole lot scrapped. Correction. As far as it is concerned, the 2013 Constitution doesn’t exist. The 1997 Constitution is still in force. Which also explains why it thinks it has the right to continually violate the 2013 version of the supreme law.
Grubsheet is having trouble believing that the People’s Alliance could be so recklessly indifferent to the rights of non-iTaukei when they are governing with non-iTaukei and rely on their support. Or so stupid not only to pick a fight with the minorities so close to an election but refuse to recognise the version of the supreme law by which they came to power and which they swore on oath to defend.
Yet as we blink in disbelief, the following is what the lawyer for the PAP, Simione Valenitabua, said in his opening comments as the Supreme Court prepares to begin its hearings at the request of the government to determine the validity of the 2013 Constitution and especially its 75/75 threshold for change – 75 per cent of the parliament and 75 per cent of the electorate at a referendum.
” The 2013 Constitution is not valid and the 1997 Constitution is still alive”
So the cat is out of the bag and all the ducking and weaving to avoid telling us which parts of the 2013 Constitution they want to change is over. The closest the PAP has come thus far is Manoa Kamikamica saying change might mean a return to the 1997 Constitution. Might? As far as the People’s Alliance is concerned, none of the 2013 Constitution is valid. They only recognise the validity of the 1997 document.
More on what happened yesterday later in this piece. But let’s just examine exactly what this position means. Among other things, it would be the end of the common and equal citizenry provisions of the supreme law (every citizen equal), an end to the common identity (everyone Fijian) and an end to dual citizenship, in which tens of thousands of Fiji citizens are also citizens of other countries, and especially Australia and New Zealand. If the PAP gets its way, they are going to have to choose.
Here’s a brief tour of the horizon of what the People’s Alliance has in mind – extracts from the 1997 Constitution that it still regards as valid.
- We are not equal. The interests of the iTaukei are paramount:
- Dual citizenship is prohibited.
- The iTaukei dominate the parliament, with representation weighted in their favour.
- There’s also an upper house of parliament – the Senate – that is dominated by the Great Council of Chiefs.
- There’s both a President of the Republic and a Vice President, which the 2013 Constitution abolished, and they are appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs.
- The GCC also has the power to sack both the President and Vice President.
- Every law must take into account the customary laws and customary rights of the iTaukei.
- And while there is no stipulation of a common name for citizens of Fiji in the 1997 document, it was the 2013 Constitution that first declared everyone a “Fijian” . Before that the iTaukei were Fijian and the rest of us were “Fiji Islanders”.
So this is what the People’s Alliance still regards as the supreme law of Fiji – where the iTaukei are more important than other citizens, they dominate the parliament, the Great Council of Chiefs chooses the upper house and the head of state and his deputy, no-one can retain their Fiji citizenship if they become a citizen of another country and the word “Fijian” – an English word – is reserved for the iTaukei.
Yep, that’s what the PAP thinks of the minorities. And the wonder of it is that Biman Prasad and the rest of the NFP have gone along with it. No wonder the GCC has been restored. It’s a prelude to them regaining all of their powers including the powers of veto .
No wonder too that Biman Prasad remained silent during the “vulagi” debate -when the minorities were described as visitors in their country of birth. We have been sold out by Biman Prasad and Sitiveni Rabuka and we must act accordingly at the next election and vote them out.
The Unity Party of Savenaca Narube is no alternative . Because as you’ll see below, Unity also wants the 1997 Constitution restored. All around us, we are being betrayed. And it is time to say enough is enough.
An estimated 110,000 people have left Fiji since the Coalition government came to power. They have simply given up on the country and who can blame them. Because the vision of the Coalition for Fiji isn’t a land of equal opportunity for all but of hereditary privilege in the form of the chiefs and privilege for a well-connected iTaukei elite. All sucking on the public teat as the nation’s tax base is steadily eroded as the best and brightest leave.
Whatever emerges from the current Supreme Court action, it isn’t going to be good for anyone. When it comes to the country’s laws and governance, Fiji is literally going backwards.
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The Unity Party joins the PAP in betraying the minorities.
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The Chief Justice is making the hearing on the Constitution his main priority. Well, he would, wouldn’t he? Better than the prospect of suspension if it is true that is the recommendation of the Ashton-Lewis Commission of Inquiry.
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Meanwhile coverage of the COI saga as a follow-up to developments yesterday.
Hooray for the RFMF. A surprise headline in today’s Fiji Times.
POSTSCRIPT:
Professor Jon Fraenkel and I don’t always see eye-to-eye but he is dead right in a Fiji Times opinion piece today to put the kybosh on the Coalition’s fast-track plan to change the electoral laws. Coming from someone who is normally supportive, it isn’t going to be welcomed by Dan Fatiaki or the Prime Minister.
Here’s a brief extract:
Cry the beloved country ! Cry!
I am so so ashamed to be ITaukei today ! The racism; the corruption of the highest order; the scandals; the higher than thou attitude towards the ordinary struggling people; the don’t owe you an apology nor an explanation attitude ! That’s Rabuka and his PAP government.
How embarrassing! How low of you all! How un Christian like !
Pathetic to say the least ! Simi V- what a lot of crap!
According to the recent writings of a recently returned Fijian chief, the i’taukei should now dismantle the structures of a liberal democracy that he claims have disadvantaged grassroots i’taukei ever since Fiji became a British colony.
He says the i’taukei have to now ‘decolonise’ their thinking and remove the colonial structures that shackled them to a life of comparative disadvantage. He cites Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkino Faso as the ideal role model for Fiji, not realising that Sitiveni Rabuka in 1987 was that i’taukei revolutionary who failed his own people.
I say enough of this revolutionary nonsense. Stop playing the victim Ratu. Returning to a feudal past is not the answer for your people as it will enslave them. Democracy is the answer.
Let’s dismantle the colonial systems that condemned us to a life of disadvantage, starting, of course, with the real symbol of oppression: flush toilets. Nothing says subjugation like modern plumbing.
Yes, let’s.
Hahaha. Good one.
PAP lawyer is either intoxicated or holds a degree from a fraudulent institution. He clearly misunderstands that the 1997 constitution is no longer valid.
A 28-year gap has elapsed, and Fiji’s population has changed. Those who favored the 1997 constitution are deceased. Fiji now has a younger population, and constitutions should reflect the needs of the people.
Therefore, reinstating the 1997 constitution is illogical, as the electorate has changed significantly in 28 years.
The PAP lawyer appears inebriated. I apologize to my iTaukei brothers and sisters, but if you seek to exclude other races and establish 100% iTaukei supremacy, Fiji will collapse, and progress will cease.
Even Australia, New Zealand, and the USA rely on multiracialism to conduct business and govern their nations.
Their approach is wrong but at least Rabuka and PAP are trying to do something for their people to lift them up. Dogla Biman and his NFP cronies have done nothing for their people. Zero. Zilch.
To the contrary these traitors have betrayed their people and sold them out for their own benefit. Baiman’s performance speaks for itself. He has achieved nothing. He is only famous for being photographed at meetings and events, being garlanded, interacting with elites and giving empty, simplistic speeches in which he says the same thing over and over again.
These are the things that motivate him and from which he gains most satisfaction. He is not motivated by service to the common people but by service and reward to the rich and powerful.
Filthy rich Tappoos and Fiji Water received tax concessions while the desperately poor get 15% vat.
Thank you Baiman Prasad and Richard Naidu. Vinaka.
Baiman is by far the most useless politician not only for his people but for Fiji as a whole. The most ineffective finance minister and deputy prime minister in the history of Fiji.
We can’t wait to see him go.
There should be a full inquiry into those tax concessions as this is in the public interest and also would inform tax payers how it happened and enable those who feel unfairly maligned the chance to set the record straight.
Hey buddy, dont forget at the last Rugby World it was Fiji Water who stepped and funded the Fiji XV when the FRU could ran out of $$$.
Be thankful for small mercies
Great point, perhaps everyone else doesn’t realise we won the World Cup and that fixed the health and education system and filled in all the potholes too. Perhaps 🤔 paying tax has a purpose, but it only works if there is also good governance. Good governance means transparent decision making and tax payers have a right to know how tax holidays are dished out. It’s that simple.
So we have a “smart arse” Ben Chod in the house, do we?
Yamuna is no where near as toxic as the leptospirosis of Rewa River, benchod crapper.
You’re wrong mate..they have done something. Sashi has painted the nails of some senior citizens.
Graham must be feeling real stupid right now. First he supports Sitiveni and PAP for the 2022 elections, then he cries about their actions.
FACT: I did not support Sitiveni Rabuka and the PAP and strongly criticised them for not repudiating Liliana Warid for her comments about vulagi. I supported Biman Prasad and the NFP wrongly believing that they would keep the bastards honest.
FACT: I AM feeling stupid right now for that and bitterly regret not campaigning to keep Frank and Aiyaz in power because they at least stood for equality. It was time for a change of government but not to something far worse.
For his monumental betrayal of the minorities, I will do everything I can to destroy Biman Prasad’s political career and make sure the NFP doesn’t make the 5 per cent threshold at the next election. Of that you can be sure.
The man is an amoral hypocrite and his latest action in having Ben Padarath arrested for a social media posting is as bad as anything Frank and Aiyaz did to suppress freedom of expression.
Biman has also corrupted the Fijian media with his “grants” of taxpayer funds to private media outlets like CFL-Fiji Village and Mai TV in a manner that I would never have imagined. It is as bad as anything Aiyaz did to give government advertising exclusively to the Fiji Sun in exchange for controlling its coverage.
A few weeks ago, I was driving through Suva one morning and saw Frank Bainimarama out walking—keeping fit and healthy. I pulled over, got out of the car, and called out, “Sir!” He didn’t even know me, but the way he greeted me—it felt like he knew me personally! I shook his hand and said, Keep it up and stay healthy. We need you back!”
Biman, and likely the NFP, are done for in the next election, that is a given. No doubt, during his numerous travels to the World Bank/ADB events, he is canvassing these international organisations for a job post 2026 elections.
If the People’s Alliance Party truly believes the 2013 Constitution is invalid, why did they—and others who oppose it—contest not one, but three general elections under it? Rabuka himself has stood in all three and even formed a government under this very Constitution. Why didn’t they question its legitimacy then?
For nearly 12 years, the 2013 Constitution has stood firm—three elections have been held under its framework, and those now in power won their seats through it.
The real issue for Rabuka isn’t legality—it’s ideology. He aims to undo equal citizenry, erase our common national identity, revive the GCC’s political role, push iTaukei supremacy, and declare Fiji a Christian state. Until that happens, his 1987 goals remain unfinished.
Tragically, leaders like Biman, Shashi, Agni, Charanjeet, Shalen, and Sachida—branded as vulagi—fail to see this.
And thats where Rabuka’s deeply held ideology, is out of sync with his public proteststions and apologies in support of democracy etc.
He is a rabid ethno-nationalist at heart. Its all becoming clear now that his protestations were all a facade designed to get him into power.
The people of Fiji must now put their faith in the military to deliver them from the kleptocracy that Fiji has descended to.
The deafing silence of Pio and lenora and the rest of the despicable nfp is appalling and an epic dereliction of duty to the minority communities and the nation at large.
Pio has always been an ethno-nationalist racist militaristic bigot with logic as twisted as his face.
Lenora is an airhead with a devil-may-care smile and false humility, disguising that she lacks any real intelligence.
Together with the rest of the nfp party, they are guilty of normalizing racism not just by legitimisation by association but more appallingly by being a coalition partner in government!
Acquiescence is worse than legitimisation by association. Silence is acquiescence.
This government is littered by lawyers previously found guilty of misconduct, from abusing trust funds to drunk driving to outright theft!
The current thug face representing the government did not have a practicing certificate and is remembered for his ill-fated time at FRU.
And what of the RFMF? The supposed guardians of the 2013 constitution are standing idly by as the assault on the constitution they swore to protect and uphold is sought to be replaced!
The much heralded praise for the RFMF’s perceived intervention recently is proving to be an obvious mistake, with the renewed trust misplaced, too. The military will go along with the replacement of the 2013 document they helped put together with an overtly racist 1997 “constitution.”
It is time to realize the fact that the military has abdicated its mandated duty to the 2013 constitution.
This fact is compounded by the silence and indifference of the NGOs, law society, political groups, unions, and the so-called opposition in parliament.
If the 2013 constitution is “thrown out the back door” by rhe rigged judiciary because “no one was consulted,” and “blocks itaukei progress,” and if the rigged judiciary reinstate the 1997 “constitution,” will it be put a referendum or will another constitution be “shoved down our throats?”
What a disgrace as rolex rabuka steam rolls his way to impose and inflict his personal will on the nation.
Whatever happens, everyone will have their ultimate comeuppance.
Cometh the day, there will definitely be a long snake line to piss on rolex rabuka’s grave.
As correctly stated in the article, the cat is out of the hat and all truth on the constitution change is laid out.
I want to congratulate people like Biman, Shashi, Richard, Shamima, Nirmal, Charan and there are few others of the minority races that have worked so hard to bring light to this day.
These guys deserve special recognition for their efforts in being voices of democracy and the supporters of this change.
Let the people who do have the IQ to remember all this come next elections make sure we continue to listen to the bullshit these people will again spew.
Constitution to all coalition supporters as 30 to 40 percent of Fijians prepare to become second class citizens. Just make sure you guys continue to pay your taxes.
To expand on Kava Farmer’s roll of honor, the following cannot be left uncredited as mega doghla mofkers.
Betrayers. Traitors.
Roll call:
Sachida Paisa Nand-Conman
Agni Ferris wheels Singh- Dacoit
Sanjay kripple brains Kirpal
Shalen Who? Kumar
Virendra Lal — Kaicolo Lootera
Salendra Gandoo Gopal – NZ freedom fighter
Rajesh dumbass Singh – NZ freedom fighter
Salend rat doctor Singh-usp baimaan stooge
Nikil brown noser Singh- NZ freedom fighter
Nirmal whiskey singh chumma -ass kisser extraordinaire topi
Richard dick Naidu – tax holiday king
Stanley jackass Simpson- pretend kailoma kaicolo
Lilian Vulagi Warid – Nuff said
Mr. Liliana Edwin the Parrot Vulagi Warid
Felix Conman Anthony – Dyed Black
Himmat Sona Lodhia–Dacoit Benchod
Ajay Bhai Amrit-opportunist bellend
Parmesh Rhea End Chand
Parmesh 18% Shukla–NZ Brown noser extraordinaire
Ben Push Kush–kailoma kai-india
Billy Drunk Haerless Singh–Kundan
Ganesh $5m Chand– Kala dacoit
Niya Free Rider Reddy– Kaicolo whiskey kala dacoit
Let all vulagi face reality. This includes everyone except the itaukeis. We are not wanted and nothing will change. As it has not changed in the last 38 years and counting. Never mind how much we jump up and down and want equality, prosperity etc for Fiji, there will always be people like Rabuka, Temo, Narube (how wrong we were about him) rising up as years go by and yes including the younger generation who will be wanting to run the country on their terms alone.
The Indians are not bothered. They don’t own much land or resorts, surfing areas, farms and so forth. I don’t think they even care anymore. Most would have left by 2035. I don’t know about the Europeans and Chinese. They own/run a lot of buildings and hotels/resorts. The taxpayer base will dwindle. But I will say this. Let the itaukei run this country. Maybe they will prove everyone wrong and maybe we will all eat a hat or two.
There’s a bitter irony in the worldview held by some iTaukei Fijians who reject the idea of equal citizenry in their homeland, insisting instead on the paramountcy of indigenous rights above all else. Yet, when they live abroad—as citizens of Australia, New Zealand, or the United States—they are often among the first to decry any hint of inequality or systemic bias. The contradiction is glaring.
This mindset reveals a troubling double standard: in Fiji, supremacy is justified under the banner of indigenous protection, but overseas, the same individuals expect full inclusion, fairness, and non-discrimination. It’s a paradox not lost on those who see them rally behind Christian values, which emphasize humility, love for all, and equality before God.
Christianity is not a cloak to hide prejudice behind, nor a badge that sanctifies superiority. The call of the Gospel is radical in its insistence that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Yet, many who profess this faith fall short when it comes to applying it consistently, especially when questions of race, privilege, and power arise.
The real challenge for the iTaukei—indeed, for any indigenous group—is to preserve identity and dignity without denying others their humanity. It’s possible to protect culture without promoting inequality. But that requires maturity, honesty, and above all, humility—qualities that transcend ethnicity and speak to the heart of what being a citizen, and a Christian, truly means.
It pains me, as an iTaukei, to admit how ashamed I feel about this hypocrisy!
Brilliant observations. Vinaka.
Couldn’t agree more. Eg The same anti colonialist are so proud when a Fijian person gets picked on merit to represent England or gets selected into the Kings regimental guards.
The same hypocrites will not hesitate to line up for minority group community funding in a foreign land.
The foreign masters are so biased and racist – yet look at the pride when a Fijian is selected into the All Blacks or Aussie team on merit. Or when a Fijian rugby player gets paid multi millions on merit…
To add, the natives have the propensity to overstay their welcome in all the countries mentioned while telling generations of Fijian-born citizens to “go back to where you come from.”
The biggest irony is Rolex Snake Rabuka gloating his son is now NZ citizen when Rolex Snake aspires to make 40% of Fijians second class citizens in the land of their birth.
Rolex Snake is a son of a cockroach who loves to stew in shit.
Don’t we get it – that people generally try to become a member of parliament primarily as a career advancement or to further their personal wealth/fortune/ego boost. To enjoy the baubles of power – the garlands, the photo clicks, local and overseas travels as gods….
Those who aren’t impaired by these desires and want to serve are already doing so outside of govt…working to protect animals (eg SPCA, Greater Good), looking after orphans (Treasure House, Dilkusha home etc), looking out for the poor ( Bayly Trust, Hart Trust, Habitat for Humanity etc.) And there would be many other good examples of servant or “public servants”. Friend Fiji – and then the public make the flawed assumption that the madam founder should become a govt minister or even PM, why would you want to sink a good boat when it was performing well!
The next set of elected leaders ideally would not have much wealth to gain or get prestige they don’t have now – from entering parliament. Otherwise it’s just going to be another set of aspirational demi gods in the guise of public servants. And we’ll allow ourselves to be fooled again.
The RFMF finally stands up. I’m proud of Ratu Jo K for telling it straight. The whole lot of them, Rabuka, Biman, Frank, Aiyaz, Mahend plus the elites within the chiefly system, Indian and half caste communities are useless.
When will the RFMF finally stand up and save the constitution and ordinary Fijians of all backgrounds?
Is there a God out there to stop slimy slim shady Sitiveni the Snake?
Does anyone else find it concerning that the PM/President are holding off acting on rumoured COI report recommendations regarding the removal of the CJ (and possibly other action) while the CJ is presiding over the Supreme Court case brought by government questioning the 2013 Constitution, including the last question (that the former AG Leung opposed including) as to whether the 1997 Constitution is still valid?
Isn’t there a chance that the recommendation of the COI report for Temo acts as the perfect leverage for Rabuka to use Temo’s influence to get what he wants out of the Court?
If I see Biman Dogla campaign for next elections in my area, hes going to get a rotton egg on his face.
Sashi and Agni Deo included…bloody leaches.
For the iTaukei to progress on par economically with the other ethnic groups, that part of the 2013 constitution that prevents them from working hard to achieve progressive goals; those sections which prevent them from not saving and investing for their short and long term future, the clauses that legally prohibit them from earned savings and reinvesting any profits to grow their small or medium size business.
These clauses in the evil 2013 constitution should be revoked. All the sections of the Constitution that force them to drink kava till early hours of the morning at the expense of their work or farm commitment and forget about planning for tomorrow. The clauses that dictate don’t plan for the rainy day tomorrow because you can count on someone else who has to bail you out, especially the rich relatives overseas.
Of course these deliberately legislated clauses to enslave the indigenous in poverty are not present in the Constitution. But oh yes, they are very much constitutional – within the person. And no Supreme Court, parliament or public binding referendum will be able to remove these habits, other than the individual themselves.
So get over the symposiums blaming everyone and everything under the sun and in the depths of the rising sea. Past, present or future for the failures – see through the mirage of the lazy get-rich quick schemes and the easy money growing on trees that everyone else has because they were born with a silver spoon except poor me. A look in the mirror will reveal the problem. There are no short cuts. You reap what you sow, including paragrass.
As an article recently posted in The Fiji times stated , after 50 years of independence iTauki only own 5 % of Fiji businesses and that is a very sad failure. Keri Keri system doesn’t help . Neither does the Malaysian and South African models of forcing businesses to have Co ownership with ethnic partners,this has been a disaster.
There does need to be a focus on why this has been such a failure in Fiji and learn from those businesses that have been a success . More courses and apprenticeships for itauki on how to set up and run a business may be a way to resolve resentment of success by other races in the business world in Fiji.
Lessons can be drawn from live examples of successful Taukei entrepreneurs in Fiji and overseas, but most of them are from a particular province. Given the perennial challenge of provincialism in the country, one wonders if Taukei investors from some or all of the remaining 13 provinces are willing to learn from that most successful province. Opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration are to be encouraged and enabled so that that dreaded 5% mark can surpassed in the next 5 years.
Selective application of the law !! We are still reeling from the COI investigations and its cost financially. Let alone the depleting of trust in those in the judicial world given their roles in that serious of events !
Now we see the main culprit Salesi Temo seated on the Supreme Court to precise over the Constitution case ! How can that be ? Isn’t he implicated in the COI report so he should be the last person making any major appearance on courts these days ? Or is that the pay back to Rabuka for bringing him onto the CJ post anyway ?
It sure looks like Temo will grant Rabuka what he needs to secure another victory after the polls next year through changes to the 2013 constitution!
Remember folks he was appointed CJ for exactly such follies !
From Fijileaks:
*Richard Naidu wrote the letter and emailed it to Malimali in the middle of the day on 5 September. When did Malimali have the time to go through Biman Prasad’s ‘Ficac File’ to order her legal team not to proceed with the charges?
*She had only been at her new job from the afternoon of 4 September to the morning of 5 September when she was taken into custody at 8.50am.
*According to Prasad’s affidavit (23 December 2024) to COI he told his lawyer Naidu to write to FICAC and ask for a deferment of the caution interview and possible charges on 5 September 2024?
*On 5 September Naidu transmitted the written request to FICAC, seeking a deferral of the intended charges until 9 September 2024, citing the World Bank President Ajay Banga’s visit to Fiji and the potential reputational harm to Fiji if the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and NFP leader Biman Prasad were charged at that time.
*Richard Naidu’s letter to Malimali did not raise any legal objections to the charges. Naidu must have been aware that FICAC was acting under its statutory mandate and had already finalised its legal review.
*Does he accept that a lawyer writing to delay criminal charges for non-legal reasons may obstruct the course of justice?
*The request was not grounded in legal invalidity, but rather in political optics.
So Richard Naidu was (Eds insert “allegedly) obstructing the course of justice knowing too well what was happening that day. Just to safeguard Fiji’s face as we had a World Bank person in town! Wow! Just wow Mr Truth Honest Naidu.
(Eds note. Sentence redacted for legal reasons)
You might have to retire to make chutney with Biman and Sashi soon. The 3 of you never were there for all Fijians but yourself. You didn’t raise a single voice when we were called vulagi. And here we are today. (Eds note. Sentence redacted for legal reasons)
Let’s call it what it is: the PM and President are clearly sitting on the COI report—and it’s not hard to see why. Allegedly, the Chief Justice and the Deputy PM are both implicated, and if the report were released, they’d be looking at immediate suspension.
But here’s the convenient twist—the President, PM, and Chief Justice all want the 1997 Constitution back. So of course, no one’s touching the Chief Justice, because he’s their golden ticket to bring back that outdated, racially charged document.
Now, one would expect Deputy PM Biman to take a stand. But let’s be real—he’s allegedly named in the report too, and that means the PM has him by the balls (if he still has any left). And with the next election on the horizon—where Rabuka likely won’t even need him—Biman seems more than willing to sell out himself and his people just to stay out of trouble and hold on to his little slice of power.
I genuinely thought Rabuka had changed—that the snake had shed its skin. But no, he’s still the same, now pushing to revive a Constitution that belongs in a museum, not a modern nation.
So here’s a straight-up message to Indo-Fijians and all minorities: wake up. If this is where the country is heading, start planning your future elsewhere. Let those determined to drag Fiji backwards run the country however they like—and if it comes to it, let them go back to eating shoes on the land they’re so proud to own.
Unfortunately a very plausible scenario, RN. (Not Richard Naidu 🙂 )
I agree with your plausible scenario of wanting the 1997 Constitution and the use of the corrupt CJ to achieve it.
Rabuka wants to revert to the 1990’s and so do the likes of the President, CJ and the GCC.
It will destroy Fiji.
As a proud citizen of Fiji, I never imagined I would see the day when the hard-won principle of equal rights for all would again be openly questioned in our highest court. Yet that day has arrived. This week, in proceedings before the Supreme Court, the lawyer for the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), the dominant party in our governing Coalition, made the astonishing claim that the 2013 Constitution is invalid, and that Fiji should instead return to the 1997 Constitution — a document that, for all its historical significance, enshrines a system of ethnic hierarchy that is incompatible with modern democratic values.
Let us be clear: the 2013 Constitution was not imposed in isolation. It is the very foundation upon which this government was elected. Every Member of Parliament — including the leaders of the PAP — took an oath to uphold it. To now claim otherwise is to sow division and uncertainty at a time when our fragile social fabric requires unity and trust more than ever.
This is not merely a technical legal argument. At its heart lies a question of whether all citizens of Fiji — whether iTaukei, Indo-Fijian, kai valagi, Chinese, Rotuman, or any other heritage — are to be treated as equals under the law. The 2013 Constitution, for the first time in our history, recognised us all as “Fijians” — a term of shared citizenship, not of ethnic identity. It enshrined equal rights and equal dignity for every citizen, regardless of race or background.
To now call for a return to the 1997 Constitution would mean reversing these gains. It would once again create a society of unequal citizenship, where the interests of one group are placed above those of others — not based on merit or need, but on ancestry. Dual citizenship would be stripped from tens of thousands of our diaspora, many of whom still contribute to Fiji through remittances, investment, and cultural exchange. The common name “Fijian” would be reserved once more for only some of us. The Great Council of Chiefs would reclaim powers that override the democratic will of the people. And minority communities would be relegated to second-class status in their own land.
This is not the vision of Fiji that the world admires, nor is it the vision that the younger generation — the future of this country — embraces. We are a diverse nation. Our strength lies in the ability of people from different backgrounds to live and work together with mutual respect. The days of institutionalised ethnic privilege must remain in the past.
It is disheartening that partners in government — including the National Federation Party — have thus far been silent as these alarming positions are advanced. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. It is time for all leaders of conscience, from all parties and communities, to speak clearly: Fiji must remain a nation of equal rights for all.
We must also be mindful of the growing sense of despair among minorities and educated young Fijians, many of whom are already voting with their feet. More than 100,000 people have left the country since the current government took office. If Fiji is to avoid further brain drain, division, and economic decline, we must reaffirm our commitment to equality and the rule of law.
It is not too late to change course. The Supreme Court proceedings offer an opportunity for clarity — and for leaders to publicly recommit to the principles they swore to uphold. Let us hope they do so. Because in the end, the fight for equal rights in Fiji is not about any one political party or ethnic group. It is about the kind of nation we want to be.
We can choose a Fiji that moves forward — not backward — where every child is taught that they are equal in dignity and worth, and where the law protects this principle for all.
That is the Fiji I still believe in. And I know many others do too.
Rabuka wants the 1997 constitution back because that guarantees his immunity for 87 whilst holding the guys from 2000 to 2025 to possibility of prosecution . Army take care.
It boggles my mind that these indigenous political leaders walk the corridors of power without any genuine regard for anyone else but themselves and to protect and promote iTaukei elitism.
Some of my closest friends and colleagues are Indo-Fijians. All they ever truly care about is making an honest living and creating a better future for their children. Several in my own circle are actively now looking for any opportunity to move abroad. Some have left professional fields to move to Australia or New Zealand to work in low paying trade jobs so they can get their families over eventually.
These are real stories and real issues that a government or political leaders should focus on. Being hellbent on “paramountcy” should not even be on the agenda.
As an iTaukei, I feel ashamed that I fell for Rabuka’s lies and deceit and voted for PAP. I understand only in hindsight how big of a mistake it was to put my trust in these amoral politicians. Rabuka, himself, has proven time and time again that he is indeed a snake.
Because of lack of investigative journalism in Fiji and journalists being ignorant in their reporting, I have started to read about past coups and research papers to be able to understand politics better and see what we can learn from the past. I was shocked to read one of the papers from 2005 by Susanna Trnka, which cited a quote from Rabuka in 1987: “My hope is that the Indians will migrate. We tighten the controls, then Fiji is no longer attractive to the Indian settler as it has been for the last 120 years. Maybe they will slow down their immigration rate, probably increase their emigration rate, thereby having a natural decline in their numbers …”
Rabuka said this almost 40 years ago and he is doing exactly what he said. He does not see anything without putting on a racial lense. In his worldview, the indigenous people must remain superior to all other races, but especially the Indo-Fijians, and the sad part is that there are many more who hold the same view in his coalition.
I am praying to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that we get better leaders to guide our nation forward.