Call to embed ‘Godly principles’ in Constitution

An investment consultant has proposed that Fiji retain equality and religious freedom while embedding “Godly principles” into its national values as part of the ongoing constitutional review.

Sandeep Narayan Singh made the submission to the Fiji Constitution Review Committee in Suva earlier this week.

He said the State should be guided by Godly principles grounded in justice, compassion and integrity, while fully upholding equality, freedom of religion and respect for all.

Mr Singh said Fiji should be a nation guided by such values while recognising the importance of religious liberty.

He noted that the 1997 Constitution clearly recognised religious freedom and protected individual rights, but said this shifted under the 2013 Constitution when Fiji was declared a secular State.

“While secularism is intended to ensure neutrality, I feel that, in practice, it has distanced public institutions from the moral and spiritual values that guide the majority of our people,” Mr Singh said.

He said Fiji remained a country where many people held strong religious beliefs.

“As a result, there is growing concern that secularism is being interpreted in a way that excludes God entirely from public life, including institutions such as schools, where prayer and faith-based expressions are no longer commonly practised,” he said.

Mr Singh said his submission was not intended to elevate one religion above another.

“Rather, it is about recognising the importance of faith, moral guidance and shared values in shaping our national identity, while continuing to protect the rights and freedoms of all religions fully,” he said.

He pointed to countries such as the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Malaysia as examples where belief in God or moral foundations is recognised while maintaining diversity.

Mr Singh proposed a balanced approach that preserves inclusivity and equality while recognising the role of Godly principles in guiding the nation’s values.

He also acknowledged the committee’s efforts to engage the public in shaping Fiji’s constitutional future.