Inia Seruiratu appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan

Maintaining Fijian as the common name for all Fijian citizens fosters a sense of belonging among all Fijians.

While speaking during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu was asked for his thoughts on the current constitution’s use of the term Fijian for all citizens.

Seruiratu acknowledged there are positive aspects of the 2013 Constitution, particularly the designation of all citizens as Fijians.

Seruiratu says while the 2013 Constitution has merit, a perfect constitution remains an aspiration, suggesting that improvements can be made.

He says Fiji should focus on setting a clear direction, establishing the right structures and processes, and embodying the ideal of Fiji as the way the world should be.

According to Seruiratu, the constitution itself is not the issue, rather, the problem lies in political leadership.

He says the 1970 Constitution, which included an entrenched clause to protect iTaukei interests, noting that despite such safeguards, the government was still subject to a takeover.

Seruiratu also highlighted certain aspects of the constitution that need review, and discussions have been ongoing about how to approach these issues in Parliament.

Through the truth and reconciliation process regarding the coups and mutiny in Fiji, people have sought forgiveness, but what haunts them is that they have not revealed the truth.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu highlighted this during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and said people need to reveal the truth so that a new direction can be set for Fiji.

Seruiratu says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has been doing a lot of reconciliation, and he has challenged the team to tell the truth.

He says let's do the truth and reconciliation correctly because we have to put this to rest.

When questioned about those who say to just forget and move on, Seruiratu says people are all different.

He says some have chosen to forget the past, but unfortunately, some still feel offended and hurt.

When asked if he believes that the former FijiFirst leader and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama would be willing to come out and also take part in the process, Seruiratu says it is something he has also raised and the Law Reform Commission has the power to summon people that can participate in the process.

When it comes to the issue of trust, it’s not only about the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force but almost every government institution.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu highlighted this during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when asked about his thoughts on the serious issues of trust by the public in the army, police and the government.

@fijivillage.com Trust issues don’t lie just within RFMF and the Police, it’s about every government institution - Seruiratu #fiji ♬ original sound - fijivillage

Seruiratu says there is a need to address that element of trust, where government and the political leadership need to create the environment and lead by example when it comes to upholding and respecting the rule of law as national interest must be above party and personal interest.

The Leader of the Opposition says this is a governance issue that has been there for quite a while even during their time in Government as well but he asks what are we going to do about this.

He says the responsibility now lies squarely within the influence and control of the current coalition government, and the Ministry responsible.

The Leader of the Opposition says when processes and systems are laid, institutions have to ensure that they have a strict commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Seruiratu says the other thing is the second layer of good governance which is to have an effective and efficient civil service.

Seruiratu adds there are some very good laws in Fiji, but it's not given the resources.

The Opposition group of 16 is awaiting the continuation of the appeal process regarding the former FijiFirst Party that was raised by Alvick Maharaj however there is no Electoral Commission Chair.

Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu made the comments during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan after being asked about ongoing efforts to revive the former FijiFirst.

Seruiratu highlighted that they are uncertain how long the process will take but emphasized that they must consider their options carefully.

@fijivillage.com Decision on appeal on the former FijiFirst Party yet to be made #fyp #fiji ♬ original sound - fijivillage

He says they hope the appeal process and hearing will proceed to address issues concerning the former FijiFirst Party and the possibility of reviving the party.

Seruiratu says if the appeal is successful, they will need to determine what steps are required to address the issues raised by the Supervisor of Elections, particularly those concerning disciplinary matters, party structure, leadership, and internal processes.

Seruiratu also acknowledged, with respect, the founding members of FijiFirst and the former leader, noting that there were specific reasons behind the party’s structure and constitution.

The Opposition Leader says as a new team, they have learned from the previous set-up and recognise the need to improve and simplify processes to move forward effectively.