The SDL party wants fluency in the itaukei language to be a pre-condition for entry into Fiji's public service.
Senior member of the SDL, Doctor Tupeni Baba has confirmed that they have submitted to the Constitution Commission to include this in the new constitution as the party also wants the itaukei language to be the national language of Fiji.
When questioned by Fijivillage on SDL's view on those currently in the public service or intending to join the service not knowing the itaukei language, Doctor Baba said time should be allocated to ensure that they reach the required standard.
The SDL also wants the name Fijian to be reserved for indigenous Fijians and Fiji Islanders for all the citizens of the country.
According to the party, the word itaukei is a “prefix” meaning “owner of”.
It feels the indigenous Fijians have become a “prefix” rather than a substantive entity in their homeland.
Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has already stressed that the common name for all Fiji citizens is Fijian and indigenous Fijians are called itaukei.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
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I-taukei language should be a precondition for entry into civil service - SDL
