Ex-MP Singh urges coup leaders to confront victims

Former Government minister Rajesh Singh has called for coup leaders to meet victims face-to-face as part of the reconciliation process.

Mr Singh made the recommendation during his testimony before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) at the Suva Civic Centre today.

“I would like to see people like current Prime Minister Rabuka, former Prime Minister Bainimarama, George Speight come face to face and reconcile with victims,” Mr Singh said.

Mr Rabuka led the 1987 coups that overthrew Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian-led government. Mr Bainimarama led the 2006 coup, while Mr Speight masterminded the 2000 civilian coup.

“These are the people I would like to see come, as we are here, face to face,” Mr Singh said.

He said such meetings would help complete his healing journey.

“The 25 per cent that I said have to be left, I think that is the last point,” Mr Singh said, referring to his incomplete healing.

FTRC Commissioner Sekove Naqiolevu said the Commission would consider the recommendation.

“We can take that into consideration in our recommendation in terms of encouraging leaders or people who have been involved during the period to come forward,” Mr Naqiolevu said.

He clarified that under the FTRC Act 2024, there is no distinction between perpetrators and victims.

“The emphasis is on the survivors, so we are here to listen to the survivors, and some of those perpetrators are also survivors,” Mr Naqiolevu said.

Commissioner Rachna Nath added: “We want to hear from everyone, and we will facilitate reconciliation wherever possible.”

However, Commissioner Rajendra Dass cautioned that reconciliation may not be possible in every case. He said that speaking openly about trauma was the first step towards healing.

Mr Singh also recommended that coup culture must end, with military immunity removed and all coup leaders facing court.