Speaking from Bonn, Germany last night, Prime Minister and FijiFirst leader Voreqe Bainimarama said: “The snake changes its skin, but it’s still a snake.”

Mr Bainimarama was referring to SODELPA party leader Sitiveni Rabuka claims he believes that he was not the same person he was 31 years ago.

Mr Rabuka told New Zealand’s Radio Tarana that he was a changed man going into this year’s General Election.

“I’ve learnt a lot from what I have done,” Mr Rabuka said.

“I’ve admitted to the mistakes of the past and you saw what I could do with the people’s co-operation between 1992 and 1999.

“If people believe what I did then and my commitment to the 1997 Constitution formulation, they should be able to continue and trust me going forward.”

Mr Rabuka said that most of those who are in Fiji saw the transformation from 1987 to 1997.

“I accepted the results of the polls in 1999 and just departed.”

He remained adamant that if SODELPA gets into Government, they will reinstate the Great Council of Chiefs. He claims it is part of iTaukei culture.

Rabuka’s Interview with Radio Tarana

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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