Fiji has lost a true son, who was resolute and steadfast, humble and God-fearing - Rabuka

Opposition and SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says with the passing away of former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, Fiji has lost a true son, who was resolute and steadfast, humble and God-fearing.

While paying tribute to the late Qarase , Rabuka says he prays for God's peace for the late Qarase's family and the Vanua during this difficult time.

He says as the leader of SODELPA, the successor to Qarase's SDL Party that governed Fiji from 2001-2006, he reiterates the former Prime Minister's vision for a united, multicultural, multilingual and multi-religious nation where the rights and interests of all citizens are protected.

Rabuka adds that the late Qarase led Fiji out of the political crisis due to the events of 19th May 2000, and the resultant economic doldrums.

He further says Qarase's achievements as Prime Minister, his attempts at reconciliation of our divided nation and to ensure all the people of Fiji including the iTaukei interests were protected, were cut short by the events of December 2006.

The Leader of Opposition adds though his stint as a national leader was cut short, he continued to make an immense contribution to his Vanua, to the Province of Lau, the Methodist Church and the nation.

Rabuka says he pays his respects to Qarase's Vanua, his widow Leba Qarase, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended familie