The presence of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at religious functions should not be politicised, says Swami Sanyuktanand, a high profile religious leader of the Fiji Sevashram Sangha.

Swami Sanyuktanand made these comments at the International Ramayana Conference held at the Civic Centre in Suva on Friday.

In an interview with the Fiji Sun yesterday, Swami Sanyuktanand explained the reasons behind his comments.¬

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry had released a statement condemning the presence of Mr Bainimarama at Hindu festivals.

Swami Sanyuktanand said Government was above politics and such an auspicious event focused on unity should not be trivialised.

Speaking in Hindi, Swami Sanyuktanand said: “Our Prime Minister does not belong to a political party but for the country.

“When a nation heads to elections, there are political parties and politics. But, once a democratic Government is formed, it is for the entire nation and above petty politics.

“We know that looking at the circumstances, what the Government decides to do is beneficial for all Fijians because a nation’s well-being is the sole responsibility of an elected Government,” he said.

The religious organisation is a Non-Government Organisation and supports no political party.

He said: “Our goal is to raise the moral character of people, to raise our social status and decrease poverty level and at the same time, raise the level of education in Fiji.

“We encourage everyone to do what is right in their heart and that’s why we support our Government to do what is right for its people. Everyone should work towards the development of the nation with what all is in their capability for the betterment of Fiji and its Government.

“The Government isn’t only for its political party but it is for its people and its nation as a whole.”

“We as the organisation stay out of politics.When small organisations don’t work together in unity with the Government, the nation as a whole isn’t recognised.

“We try and build empires, malls, make our country beautiful in every way but when our moral character, our mentality of work will be well developed and respected, Fiji will be respected and rightfully developed.

“Just like many countries around the world are rich by the amount of money they have, our Fiji will be rightfully rich through well-educated and developed people.

“Like our education, religion, history and culture, the more we unite together, the better progress we will make in this world.”

Edited By Maraia Vula

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