Rabuka Ready for Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is ready to participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process if summoned.

"Whichever rank in government you are in, you should obey the summon," Mr Rabuka said.

"Coup immunity provisions remain protected by the 2013 Constitution and would require constitutional amendments to remove," he said responding to calls to strip legal protections for those involved in past coups.

"That is now in the Constitution and it will depend on amending the Constitution," Mr Rabuka told this masthead yesterday.

"At the moment, they are protected by the provisions in the Constitution."

Recently, former People's Alliance president Ro Naulu Mataitini, had called on the Prime Minister to demonstrate leadership by removing immunity provisions that protect coup perpetrators, including Mr Rabuka.

TRC chairperson Marcus Brand has stated that while symbolic acts like apologies matter in divided societies, reconciliation would be an on-going task beyond the commission's official mandate.

Government had failed in its attempt to amend the 2013 Constitution in Parliament in March.

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 fell short by one vote; 40 votes were in favour - 41 votes were required to amend the 2013 Constitution in Parliament.

Mr Rabuka had indicated that Government would turn to the Court as its next step to amend the constitution.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj