PM calls for unity and reform in Diwali message
Sitiveni Rabuka urges Fijians to support the 2013 Constitution review, linking Diwali’s message of light to national healing and inclusive progress.
Monday 20 October 2025 | 19:30
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on all Fijians to actively participate in the national review of the 2013 Constitution, describing it as a vital step toward building a more inclusive and democratic Fiji.
Delivering his Diwali message which is celebrated today, Mr Rabuka said the Festival of Lights was not only a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, but also a timely reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to foster unity, justice, and progress.
“As we embark on the work of the Constitutional Review Commission, I urge all citizens to take part in our review for the 2013 Constitution,” Mr Rabuka said.
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“Your voice, your hopes, and your vision for our future are vital. Let this process be guided by light — not by fear or blame, but by courage and shared conviction.”
The Prime Minister linked the spirit of Diwali, symbolised by the return of Lord Rama and the lighting of lamps in Ayodhya, to Fiji’s ongoing journey of healing and nation-building.
He highlighted pressing national challenges including the drug crisis, rising HIV infections, and lingering social divisions, urging citizens to be “bearers of light” in their communities.
Mr Rabuka also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he said was established to hear the stories of those affected by past political upheavals.
“Our diverse and vibrant communities are the very fabric of our nation and the source of our greatest strength,” he said.
“We cannot move forward in prosperity if any member of our community is left behind, be it due to poverty, addiction or prejudice.”
“To those individuals and families who have experienced injustices because of our past political upheavals and who still carry the pain of those divisions – your stories matter. The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission now exists to hear you,” the PM shared.
Mr Rabuka ended his address by encouraging Fijians to embrace the values of peace, unity, and forgiveness, and to walk boldly toward a future where all citizens thrive in dignity and equality.
“Let us be the light that binds our islands with love, unity and justice,” he said.
“And let us walk boldly towards a future where all Fijians thrive – together, in the full light of dignity, equality and faith that Fiji’s brightest days are still ahead.”
