High moral and ethical standards must be set high by GCC members - Chaudhry

GCC members must set high moral and ethical standards for themselves before demanding the same from others.

This was stated by Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry during a meeting with the members of the GCC Review Committee to present his views on revamped GCC.

He says this could best be done by adopting a Code Of Conduct to which they must commit themselves.

Chaudhry was invited by the Chair of the Committee Jone Baledrokadroka to present his views on the review of the GCC's role, as resolved in its meeting held last month in the chiefly Island of Bau.

Chaudhry's views were sought in his capacity as Former Prime Minister and a prominent political figure of long standing.

Chaudhry thanked the GCC Review Committee for providing him the opportunity to express his views on such an important matter.

He told the Committee that the FLP supported GCC's reinstatement and welcomed its decision to undertake a comprehensive review of its role through public consultation.

He says the GCC must strive to serve the needs of the indigenous community, particularly in uplifting their socio-economic status.

On political affiliation of GCC members, he advised that while they could participate in political activities generally, they must avoid Party politics in their deliberations and be issue-centered instead.

He says the GCC must take special care to ensure that in all their advice or recommendations to government on national issues, they remain fair to the people of other communities in order to win their trust and confidence.

Chaudhry says the indigenous women and youth must have fair representation in the composition of the GCC.

He also says the GCC must adhere to and be an advocate of democratic norms and principles and good governance in the affairs of the nation.

The GCC was disbanded by the previous Bainimarama administration in 2007 and the new Coalition government has decided to reinstate it.