Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday called out the leader of The People’s Alliance (PA) Sitiveni Rabuka and National Federation Party (NFP) Biman Prasad.

The A-G lashed out at them for not condemning the opinion piece that described Fijians of Indian descent as ‘visitors’.

The opinion piece that was written by PA provisional candidate Liliana Warid titled “IT’S OK TO BE I-TAUKEI”, told readers to hypothetically imagine visitors who have travelled some distance and welcomed to people’s homes.

“They are not going back anytime soon. They are hard workers. You learn a lot from each other, share food, and become friends,” she wrote.

The People’s Alliance Party and Mrs Warid have chosen not to comment on the issue when approached by the media. In a press conference yesterday, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum called out the leaders of NFP and PA for not condemning the ‘hypocritical statement’ made by Ms Warid.

“We noted that when that highly offensive article was published online, she lamented the fact that Fiji Times did not want to publish the article,” he said.

“Which in a sense, says a lot.”

“Fiji Times is quite obsequious to what NFP and PAP does, but in this case obviously it looked highly offensive and they refused to publish it.”

“But PAP posted the contents of the article for a couple of days then after there’s a bit of public outcry, we understood even from their own supporters, and they pulled it down.”

He said that he had noticed that at no stage had Rabuka condemned the article.

“At no stage has this provisional candidate even apologised for that article. And as I said that this is the difference between Rabuka and Bainimarama.”

“Rabuka does not have principles and is actually a weak leader.”

“He is trying to pacify people in his party. There’s ethno-nationalist, right wing in his party and there are other people with business interests he is trying to pacify.”

“But Bainimarama will not tolerate such a thing, that’s the point of difference. That’s what Fijian voters need to understand.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said while Mr Rabuka was trying to portray himself as a strong man, he was actually weak.

“No principles, no values. At the same time there is Lynda Tabuya condemning EFL workers saying they don’t deserve the bonus payout.”

“Lynda Tabuya made comments about Diwali and how it should not be celebrated on a Sunday.”

He added the most deafening silence was the NFP, the new partner of Rabuka.

“Absolutely not a word from Biman Prasad nor Pio Tikoduadua nor Hon Qereqeretabua nor any of the stalwarts of NFP.”

“The voters of Fiji must realise that these people have formed these partnerships not based on principles and values, not building nationhood, not economic advancement and growth but simply for political gain.”

Attempts to get comments from the two party leaders last night were unsuccessful by the time this edition went to press.

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