Remember these faces, Fiji. They are the faces of the traitors who were carried into parliament clinging to the coat-tails of Frank Bainimarama at the last election and without any mandate from the majority of Fijians who voted for FijiFirst, have voted with Sitiveni Rabuka and his government to change the 2013 Constitution.
The Bill tabled in the parliament yesterday by another traitor to his own people – the Attorney General, Graham Leung – seeks to alter the provision for any constitutional amendment from a three-quarters majority vote in the parliament – 75 per cent – to a vote of two-thirds – 67 per cent (rounded up from 66.66 per cent).
Incredibly, it also seeks to abolish altogether the current constitutional requirement for a referendum of all voters in which at least 75 per cent would have to give their approval for the supreme law to be changed.
Now we know what the game-plan is. For Sitiveni Rabuka to push through change by circumventing the people and using his majority in the parliament and the former FijiFirst MPs he has bought off. This already exceeds the 67 per cent he would need if the current Bill (see below) passes through all its stages in the parliament. Because that’s just 37 MPs in the parliament of 55 and Rabuka already has those numbers (38). He just has to get a 75 per cent vote now for him to use those numbers. And that’s where these turncoats come in.
If this goes through, it would enable Sitiveni Rabuka, Biman Prasad and the rest of the miserable gaggle in the Coalition and its glee-club of independents to alter any section of the Constitution. This includes the common and equal citizenry and the common identity provisions that the 2013 Constitution established for the first time.
It also paves the way for the extremists in the government’s ranks to press for an end to the secular state and establish Christianity as the state religion. Or, indeed, alter any other provision they don’t like. On a simple 67 per cent vote of MPs. And on an electoral mandate bestowed by the Fijian people in December 2022 of just one vote on the floor of the parliament.
The Prime Minister, the NFP leader, the AG and a host of senior Coalition figures keep telling us there is nothing to worry about. But they have so far refused to detail precisely what sections of the Constitution they want to change.
More alarmingly, they refuse to specifically rule out abolishing the common and equal citizenry and the common identity. Which leaves open the prospect of a return to the provisions in previous constitutions that gave added weight to iTaukei votes and declared non-indigenous people “Fiji Islanders”, reserving the English word “Fijian” for the iTaukei. Plus the introduction of other provisions that would disadvantage the minorities (and the tourism industry), such as the right of the iTaukei to charge others to use their qoliqoli that partly triggered Bainimarama’s 2006 coup and to which elements of the Coalition are still committed.
It beggars belief that four Indo-Fijians who were elected as FijiFirst members at the last election under the leadership of Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, should turn on their remaining fellow MPs in the Opposition Group of 16 and vote with the government. But more importantly, it beggars belief that they would betray their fellow Indo-Fijians and other minorities.
They have shown themselves to be totally without principle. Because having been elected to Parliament with Frank Bainimarama as their leader and swearing on oath to defend the Constitution, they have become turncoats. No-one voted for this miserable Gang of Four at the 2022 election to change the Constitution. They have simply taken it upon themselves to do so.
What inducements have the Prime Minister and their fellow turncoat, Biman Prasad, offered them to betray the most fundamental principles on which they were elected? Government jobs? Diplomatic posts? The proverbial 30 pieces of silver with which any traitor can have their loyalty bought?
These people represent the genuine corruption of politics in Fiji – MPs elected on a particular platform abandoning that platform without again subjecting themselves to the people at a fresh election and obtaining a mandate to turn their backs on the premise on which they were sent to parliament in the first place.
No-one has given this despicable quartet a mandate to join the opponents of the first constitution in Fijian history to have provided for an equal playing field for every citizen. The first to provide equal votes of equal value. The first to declare everyone as Fijian. This is what Sitiveni Rabuka ultimately wants to change and these four toadies – grovelling masi polo – are giving him the means to do so.
It is astonishing that these Indo-Fijians have so shamelessly betrayed their own people and are helping deliver us into a frightening new era under the tyranny of the majority in Fiji. They know what life was like after Rabuka’s coups of 1987 and the years of being treated like second-class citizens in their country of birth. And yet they have abrogated their responsibility to defend the rest of us.
The next time you see them, ask them what could possibly justify them standing for parliament under a Constitution that guarantees equal votes and equal opportunity for the minorities and then join forces with those committed to re-establishing indigenous supremacy.
And then do everything you can to ensure that they are defeated at the 2026 election and are forever consigned to the margins of public life and polite society. Because they are treacherous scum. And they need to feel the cold steel of contempt and rejection.
What these bastards voted for…
More analysis on the constitutional changes and what they mean to come. But in the meantime, those sections of the Constitution this Bill seeks to amend.
And the Bill itself.
The woeful AG and his people can’t even get the numbering right ( See “Clauses”) Does anyone in this government check the final draft? And they’re meant to be lawyers, for God’s sake.
On something this important, it is unbelievable. And unforgivable.
POSTSCRIPT:
There is still time for the four ex-FijiFirst traitors from the Group of 16 to pull back. And let’s hope they have the sense to do so in the knowledge that if they don’t, they will forever be pariahs among their own people. Along with the likes of Biman Prasad and any other Indo-Fijian who votes for this Bill.
And where is the RFMF Commander? The process is now underway to trash the 2013 Constitution that the military supported and vowed to protect. And all he can give us is hugs, tears and ritual “apologies” masquerading as “reconciliation” and the “truth”.
They are trying to change the Constitution because of elections. They know they are going to lose so they are trying very hard to make it hard for them not to go to prison for the wanton corruption in this government.
The RFMF is a lost cause and don’t rely on that useless institution.
Indo Fijians are more concerned about making businesses and their academics as long as those two areas are sorted they don’t care about the law or who runs the country.
Most of my fellow itaukeis are easily fooled by ideas promoting the fear that they are about to lose their land whereas the 2013 constitution safeguards that from the preamble to specific sections in that supreme law. Most itaukei will continue to fall for this fear mongering but most are too lazy to utilize it and realise that by their sheer hard work and pulling up of their boot straps that they can come out of poverty.
Most itaukei will be left in poverty while their so called selfish leaders will benefit while putting down any internal opposition by their rubbish, frequent, overburdening and useless traditional functions.They are one of the most poor yet they are ones holding these very expensive functions that takes them into more poverty, how stupid that is?
Some of my people are really that stupid. They use their brainpower in stupid areas. No wonder they are easily conned by conmen such as SLR and this PAP lot including the Itaukeis in the NFP. Well isa o Viti.
Kumar, Kirpal, Nand and Sharma, hmmm, a common theme!
To those Indo Fijians who voted on religious lines I say, eat shit and die…
That’s the problem when you force the supreme law- or any law for that matter- down the throat of the populace. It’s hypocrisy of the first order to compel lawmakers to get approval from 75 percent of voters, aside from the requisite Parliamentary approval, in order to change the Constitution when not a single voter was consulted on the document. The 2013 Constitution was a pet project of two people, and you know who they were.
That was then. This is now.
Even Australia only requires a national majority (more than 50%) and a majority in 4 of 6 states. Going by that, they already have the referendum to change the constitution with a majority of i-Taukei and some Indo-Fijian votes. A 75% referendum was crazy from the start and a blatant sign that FijiFirst didn’t want the constitution changed at all.
UTTER BS!!!! Get your facts right you faceless liar.
The Ghai Constitutional Commission traveled the country and was well attended.
There were 7,000 submissions submitted, both written and oral.
They produced a Constitution that allowed for amendments via a 50 member Constitutional Assembly. This was an admission of a living document open to change.
The Military ( under FB) obviously felt this would be a threat to their immunity, so removed the requirement for a Constitutional Assembly, and to boot, make it impossible to change the Constitution at all with a referendum requirement that is impossible to meet.
The Constitution was not the pet project of two people. That is a lie and deliberately misleading. The problem is, many in Fiji would believe this lie and many are totally convinced that is the case, including the PM and all the donkeys around him.
So enough of the bullshit please.
Understanding the historical and legal context of the 2013 Constitution is crucial, particularly given its origins in the military-led government’s unilateral abrogation of the 1997 Constitution, despite a 2009 Court of Appeal ruling deeming the act unlawful.
As of subsequent developments -a constitution’s validity may be challenged if imposed without public consultation, lacks legitimacy, or violates legal principles, though this has not been tested in court. After 12 years, debates persist over its flawed enactment, with calls for selective amendments. However, logically and legally, amending specific provisions without addressing foundational defects is inconsistent with sound legal reasoning.
These four former ex FFPs, now ‘be pendi ke lotas’, were hardly recognisable from a bar of soap. Now they will claim notoriety for their betrayal, especially to Indo-Fijians and other non iTaukeis.
It may be a desperate attempt to salvage something in their final days in 3-piece suits. If they think they will prevail due to Biman Prasad, they can dream on, as Biman has also been disowned by most communities in Fiji as Rabuka’s sucker, devoid of any principles or values. Even his credential as a Professor of Economics is questionable.
We should begin to delve into some of the dodgy backgrounds of these individuals. Sanjay Kirpal is already known for his practice of valuing properties and making a fortune by either defrauding the buyer/seller or FRCA. Wasn’t Rinesh Prasad humiliated in Parliament by BCP? Maybe Grubsheet should publish their bios for what it is worth. Maybe a waste of space!!
Our Indo Fijian institutions and groups should question these judases. It make us even more eager to await 2026 and spare no efforts to call out the growing list of betrayers and hypocrites.
These 4 traitors are in parliament because of Frank’s vote. In the coming election, they will be history . Bloody traitors.
There is a Bollywood movie called 3 idiots. Wonder if this episode is the sequel called 4 idiots.
These 4 are religious racists who will sell their mothers and sisters for 30 pieces of silver. So selling their own people is a no brainer. Self-serving f*ckwits.
No morals, no standards, no idea, low class, no class dumbos who people should spit on every time they see them.
People are free to exercise their god given right to be stupid if they so choose. Let alone these four. In Fiji, the vast majority of people have made that choice. And they are proud to be stupid. This characteristic is unique to Fiji. It must be a cultural and traditional thing. That is what makes Fiji so unique. It is full of proud idiots.
The more publicly stupid you are the better it makes you feel.
This “they’re all idiots” routine of yours is wearing a bit thin. How about commenting directly on why they are idiots.
Ok, they are idiots because they are in parliament as a direct result of the very constitution they want to change. Same applies to Baimaan.
About time GD.
I could start in on any country , but off course I would have to start with the white countries, or anglo zionist ones as they seem to think the sun shines from their nether regions, which I suspect is where this fellow is from.
For some light relief and humour, the Chinese have paid Australia a visit, with SHIPS, not ICBM’s, and that has me rolling in laughter. So to be specific Ozzies, rhymes with Mozzies, don’t go and poke the Dragon you idiots.
I expected nothing less from you, Ian. 滚蛋.
There is little reason to trust the Coalition’s motives behind changing the constitution.
Though I can accept that such an important document is likely to need review and revision over generations, and has to be written in a way that this is possible. It also has to be written so that change is not so easy as to be done on a whim.
There is a risk here that the Coalition are not only ill-intended and self-serving, but that this change will pave the way for any Government of the day to make self-serving changes willy nilly. There will be no Constitutional stability that ensures functioning of the country as governments come and go.
Amen, some say those provisions are too restrictive but they are there for a reason. So the constitution cannot be changed willy nilly. Maybe those 4 wanted to be called vulagi after all for their sellout.
What a bunch of lowlifes. Here we are promoting that all citizens of Fiji should be called Fijian and these dumbtards want a change in the Constitution so that they and their ethnic group will be relegated to be legally labelled as a vulagi and that will be in the Supreme Law of the land.
Maybe that is what they want after all, who knows? There has not been any uproar from their community so far, after all.
They are the ones who control the economy of this country but take no action at all.
How they have so easily folded over the last three years.
Wow, does that mean those 4 will be joining PAP at the next election? They seem to be very strategic thinkers just like the prime minister.
But it is amazing how many politicians are willing to be used, abused, politically prostituted and then thrown out for short term gains. These 4 are no different to Baimaan. Political whores.
Whether you like or not, the Constitution will change. Unless a constitution is from the people, it won’t last long.
The bill in Parliament is the first step. They still need a referendum to approve this amendment, after which if approved by the people, it would be in the hands of the parliamentarians to work out the necessary changed and have these amended.
Once a final amended Constitution that is fair is in place that, then the referendum clause will be reinstated.
You clearly don’t understand. They are removing the necessity for a referendum. So that if 75 per cent of the parliament passes this bill, that will be it. The people won’t be consulted. And why? Because the chances of a getting a 75 per cent vote in the community are zero.
>then the referendum clause will be reinstated<
And you know this how?
It’s a no-brainer that these loathsome 4 have had their bread buttered and are now shamelessly sold! They know that at the next election they will not see light of the day so they might as well make hay while the sun shines!
Zero integrity – they will go into oblivion and become irrelevant in 2026 however be forever known as “traitors”!
They forget what Rabuka and this lot did in 1987 and how the Indo-Fijians suffered at their hands.
Every man and his dog who supported this miserable government to come into power is responsible for the collateral damage that is being inflicted upon us! Hope your eyes are wide open as you see the horror unfold.
AND if that is not enough, the dementia-struck PM has stated he might reconsider bringing back Queen of Tarts as a Minister, which is also not far away.
So I looked at vote counts for 3 of the above and it was 471, 1705 and 500 something for the third one. So obviously these men are brainless no bodies. They will be rewarded with some cheap Rolex watches and pens shortly. They have sold their souls to the devil.
Personally I am counting on Inia. Pio, Premila, MPC, Usamate and Narube. At least these men and woman despite some weaknesses are not malicious. Let’s hope they form one party with some others to lead us into the next election. A coalition will not work.
The coalition came into power promising to change the constitution. They are fulfilling the mandate of their voters. I can’t be angry at them. But anyone else who voted for this is another story.
Well, that pretty much says it all right there. Here’s our ruling party for another 4 years after next year’s elections.
With 8 different parties already signed up, how on earth will any one of them defeat this majority.
These four are heroes.
They know full well that the 2013 Constitution was designed by the Talibani in a smoky backroom and shoved down our throats by Frank and his goons.
The people want a new Constitution. They want a break from the authoritarianism and dictatorship of the past
In a democracy, Parliament is the supreme authority to make such changes. Thats where it all happens.
The Commander too is listening to the voice of the people and is sensibly staying out of politics. He is not obliged to defend an illegal and unpopular document.
So for those of you who don’t like to see democracy in action, the popular vernacular saying here in Fiji is “Ciqoma, Jiloma”.
People voted in 2014 &. 2018 general election.
By taking part in those 2014 & 2018 elections indirectly they gave their assent to the 2013 constitution.
The elections was not possible without a Constitution.
Ro Teimumu and other members of Sodelpa said for people to consider boycotting the 2014 elections but changed their mind later on and they participated in the Elections.
Ciqoma jiloma that people have assented to the 2013 Constitution when they participated in the 2014 & 2018 elections and even the 2022 elections which brought these Corrupt Government to power.
This current corrupt coalition government are in power because they won the 2022 elections under the 2013 Constitution.
Good assessment of the four turncoats, GD. Kirpal, Shalen, Rinesh, and Sachida have betrayed the very trust their voters placed in them. They have voted against the constitution that gave them entry into parliament through the party whose principles and values they once claimed to uphold.
But how quickly people change. We’ve already seen the betrayal from Lynda and Bulitavu, who selfishly changed parties, and the common thread between them and these four G17 turncoats is none other than Rabuka
Rabuka is using these four MPs as pawns in his game, offering them false promises of power and rewards that he will eventually discard once he has no more use for them. These individuals lack political clout, achievements, or any meaningful influence of their own. Their political careers are built on nothing but opportunism. They have not made any worthwhile contribution as MPs—they were fortunate to even be selected in the first place.
What on earth were Aiyaz and Bainimarama thinking when they chose them over more capable candidates? But that’s irrelevant now—what’s done is done.
These four have turned their backs on the Indo-Fijians and other minorities. If the core provisions of the constitution—those enshrining equal citizenry, common identity, and secularism—are ever undermined, these four turncoats, along with Biman, Shashi, Agni, and Charanjeath, will have sold out the Indo-Fijians and other minority communities to the whims of Itaukei supremacy.
Those who believe in the principles of equal citizenry, common identity, and secularism must stand against them.
Rabuka’s slow march towards his destructive goals is unfolding, and by the time the Indo-Fijian MPs supporting him realize the full extent of his betrayal, it will be far too late.
The Leader of Opposition Inia Seruratu has failed miserably by not being an effective leader. He needs to rethink his style and strategy if he wants to lead a party into the next election.
It takes a narrow-minded, selfish, jeolous, and power-hungry leader like Rabuka to undermine a beautiful multiracial country like Fiji. His actions are not just political—they are a direct assault on the very fabric of the nation.
@ Dsniel Richards
What other minorities are you referring to?
The only ‘minority’ ethnic group in parliament are the Indo-Fijians.
The 2013 Constitution penalises ethnic minorities by not allocatting parliamentary seats to them.
All the more reason to throw out the 2013 Constitution.
The minorities are any ethnic group who aren’t iTaukei. Kai Valagi, Kai Solomoni etc. as well as Kai Idia. And you’re entirely missing the point. We don’t need allocated seats if everyone is recognised as a Fijian and the iTaukei majority doesn’t try to lord it over everyone else.
A separate seat in parliament is what ethnic minorities want.
Go speak to any kai Loma, kai Solomoni, kai Rabi, kai Jaina, kai Kioa etc….they will tell you this.
Problem is the Islamic brotherhood that designed the 2013 Constitution never bothered to consult them..
Nothing is stopping other groups of peoples or individuals in Fiji from being a candidate.
No one group or individual is entitled to be “allocated” a seat in parliament.
Put up or shut up.
Obviously the grass is greener on the other side for these 4 half-wits.
After all, they’ve all seen Rabuka’s bling and lets face it, the lure of Rolex watches, Mont Blanc pens, free goodies, flights and direct access to a sexually hungry minister who is happy to do a nude dance for them, it was only a matter of time this was going to happen.
Yet, these four twats/twits completely forgot that history has never been kind to those who have betrayed their communities and their supporters.
Reddy did it with Rabuka back in his day and was swiftly given the boot.
Irene Jai Naryan stabbed Koya and resulted in the demise of the entire party.
The four, along with the other political prostitutes such as Bulitavu who have crossed the floor will not be forgotten during the next elections. They will be cut down during the 2026 elections, if one happens.
No doubt the four will come out with some sob-story to explain their treachery. Its always interesting to hear a robber try to explain why he chose to commit the offence.
So all i’taukei are stupid except you?
Kawaca !
VILIKESA , Those are your words and I wholeheartedly agree and concur with your statement….as Ratu Mara used to say .
Vilikesa – Answer to your question “YES”.
Vilikesa, so who or which grouping is the kawa vinaka?
What are the characteristics of this privileged grouping?
Eat your heart out G.D 👁️
I’m not the savage, mate. Go gnaw on someone else’s vitals.
Aawww you’re acting like a porn-mafia🤩
Constitution or no constitution, the harsh reality is and always has been the bitter truth that the Indos have always been powerless in the land of their birth. And long will it continue to be so.
This current onslaught of racism is a mere continuation of the ingrained generational hate the itaukei have always had and reserve only for Indos.
The time-immemorial level of hate indoctrination begins in itaukei homes, continues in churches, in schools, and politicians, chiefs, villages, tikinas, provinces, on to the power of an entire government machinery.
The indos also have to contend with being laughed at and vulified by the half castes, Rotumans blackbirder- descendants, Micronesians, Chinese, other Pacific-islander communities, neo-colonialists missionaries and educatiors including the Australians, Americans, and Kiwis (especially at USP) all piling on to perpetuate and reinforce the hate and racism of the itaukei.
More than a few of the white fellas turn mega-racists even. Gereti, anyone?
Yet, against all these heavy odds, the oppressed Indos go about their daily lives, working hard with their heads down, often slaving away with noses to the grinding stone on itaukei land where land lease payments aren’t the only expense.
Indos endure extortion and bullying by the itaukei daily, taking more–anything they so desire from the tenants. Including the cream of the harvest in many places (tobacco in Nadroga), vegetables, poultry, cattle, farm tools, et al across the country.
Anyone who travels into the heartlands of rural Indo farming communities and take the time to speak to the people can see this for themselves. The level of the itaukei having a false sense of entitlement and stealing knows no shame.
Take the time to speak to the people because they remain reluctant to open up for fear of retribution from the landowners.
These are the harsh realities of the lived experiences of the Indo community. The majority of whom are far from rich, living in grinding poverty in both rural and urban settlements.
This current crop of Indo traitors is quite enjoying taking the piss out of the Indo community at large.
These traitors including the rolex emeritus merchant of evil need to be reminded that for the itaukei and Rabuka, democracy (a foreign flower) and the rule of law (a vulagi invention) must not get in their way as they go about dismantling conversations of decency and good governance.
This deliberate dysfunction and organized chaos is designed to destroy the Indos.
However, for this lot, whether out of plain ignorance, diseased brains, stupidity, greed, or corruption, they all fail to realize that in fact they are being pissed on by rabuka and the ethno-nationalist and supremacists itaukei.
There was a time when the NFP stood for equal rights, righteousness, equal justice, integrity, and morality.
Enter the itaukei elements in sheep skins to usurp the Indo voice of speaking truth to power.
Pio is a mega military racist thug hiding in plan sight with a straight face. He of 1987 and 2000 and 2006 coups. Rabuka’s sidekick is still busy kicking Indo asses.
You have all let Rabuka deceive you that there is a lot that he doesn’t know.
History has documented Rabuka’s moral bankruptcy, his disgusting, dishonest, hateful, and vengeful life.
These four ignorant blind traitors have joined forces with biman, agni, charan, sashi, pio, and lenora.
You all must know, in the words Governor Pritzker, quote:
Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage. So gather your justice and your humanity. The root that tears apart your house’s foundation begins as a seed. A deed of distrust and hate and blame.
-Gov. J. B. Pritzker -IL
–end quote
Excellent contribution. Thank you.
This article made me weep.
If a minimum 75 percent voter approval in a referendum to amend the constitution cannot be achieved then maybe the people in their inertia deserve what they have. Or the current constitution maybe is not that bad?
As for why is it so high at 75 %…..it’s a fair allowance for the disproportionately high percentage of retards who have the right to vote. It hopes to have good outcomes in decisions that unfortunately everyone is able to engage in if they choose to – while applying their intelligence and wisdom. However those who are in deep deficit in possession of the above qualities can prevent good outcomes from being achieved.
Bula Graham. Thank you for this post. I don’t agree with the invective of your analysis, but Grubsheet always remains an excellent source for those facts that should be more clearly spelt out in the papers.
Isn’t the problem, though, that the amendments provisions were effectively designed to make the constitution unamendable? These (no)admendment provisions were always on borrowed time, particularly with the fall of Fiji First. Yes, all sorts of political tricks are now being used to get around their restrictions – but this isn’t any worse than the courts wading in and ultimately declaring such bad-faith lawmaking can’t stand.
If lawmakers could never change the 2013 Constitution, its flaws (whether you think these are few or many) would just build and build, until the point where all its admirably provisions that should be kept are also washed away when the dam eventually breaks.
Empowering politicians to change fundamental law when needed – including those you don’t like or trust – is scary. But excluding lawmakers outright from that possibility is arguably even scarier.
The real challenge concerns how to get constitutional change that is incremental, just and grounded in consensus, and not let these levers of power fall into the hands of reactionary zealots who only see the political field in zero sum terms.
(ps. This is why I hate the fact you insist on making ‘secular state’/’Christian state’ this absolute binary with no middle-ground – it bounces those who don’t really get ‘secularism’ into the ‘Christian state’ camp).
I would not be in the least bit surprised if Rabuka formalises the GCC in the constitution as a chief legislative body, pun intended.
Where is Ben Naliva? Someone in the RFMF with any balls to stop this madness?