Call for Truth in Fiji’s Politics

Fiji has been enjoying a ‘culture of convenience’.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) Inia Seruiratu this referred to where the temptation of convenience led individuals or groups of people to resort to shortcuts for their own and political advantage.

He was responding to Government’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) findings.

The NSDR highlighted a ‘deficit’ of trust for the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

Who cause coup? 

Mr Seruiratu said that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), presented an opportune time for the RFMF to reveal the events that led to the past coups.

“For that to happen, we must ensure that the people who had a part in the political upheavals of the past be allowed to tell their stories,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“This includes the recently released perpetrators of the 2000 events and must include members of the military at the Queen Elizabeth and Sukanaivalu Barracks who were incarcerated as a result.

“The stories of those involved in the events of 1987 must be considered in the frame as well because only the truth will set us free.”

Mr Seruiratu, a former RFMF officer, said: “Without the truth being told, it would be a case of brushing cobwebs when the spider continues to loom far and wide.”

Constitution Review

Mr Seruiratu said talks on the review of the 2013 Consitution must only be considered after the process of the TRC had been completed, “genuinely and honestly”.

“It is important because Fiji’s problems did not lie in the Constitution, but in the egos of individuals or groups of individuals who feel short-changed by the democratic process and thus resort to coup to satisfy their political and personal desires.

“When the events of 1987 happened, the 1970 Constitution had to be changed. Similarly, with the events of 2000 and 2006, the 1997 Constitution was replaced.

“In both cases the new Constitutions were designed and engineered to include immunity provisions to protect the instigators of these unfortunate events from the wrath of the law.”

Mr Seruiratu said it would take leadership and a genuine commitment from all sections of communities, political and community leaders, chiefs, religious leaders, the business community, and the people whose interests should be central in all these processes.

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