Those Fijians in NZ choose to look to the Rabuka of now and are uniting with me in the upcoming election - Rabuka

It was a relief to have been able to stop for a moment and dance with women whose parents may have been affected by the events of 1987.

Those are the words of People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka who says he hopes that by expressing their freedom to do so, they demonstrated that there are Fijians who choose to look to the Sitiveni Rabuka of now, and unite with him in the upcoming 2022 General Election.

While speaking about a People’s Alliance ball held in New Zealand, Rabuka says he was elated when he was invited to the dance floor by the two women who showed him through the manner in which they treated him that they have accepted him.

He says many of those who have chosen to join their movement for change were affected by the coup he carried out in 1987.

Rabuka says some will never forgive him, and he respects their choice, yet, he is comforted by the gestures and support of those who realise that with him, they have a strong chance to change the course our nation is on.

The People’s Alliance Leader also says his recent community engagements with Fijians living in New Zealand have further encouraged his hope that Fijians will soon regain their democracy.

He also says New Zealand provides countries like ours the ideal example of balance, unity and economic progress.

Rabuka says citizens of New Zealand especially the Maori are not shunned when they acknowledge their culture. He says instead, they are appreciated.

Rabuka says 21,000 Fijians were living in New Zealand according to the 2018 census, and 15,000 identified with the Fijian-Indian ethnic group, which was an increase of about 5000 from the 2013 count.