PM gives nation’s apology to Dr Brij Lal’s family

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has given the nation’s apology to Dr Padma Lal, the wife of the late Dr Brij Lal, for the way they were treated and exiled from Fiji.

While speaking at Dr Brij Lal’s Homecoming and Interment in Tabia, Rabuka says Dr Lal was dedicated to the ideals of democracy, particularly freedom of speech and expression.

He says the flashpoint came in November, 2009, when Professor Lal spoke out about the regime that caused him to be exiled from Fiji.

Rabuka says those who understand international relations found that very embarrassing.

He says the cruelest cut came when Dr Brij Lal passed away, and Dr Padma Lal’s application to return to Fiji was not accepted.

Rabuka adds when he met Dr Padma Lal at the late Justice Jai Ram Reddy’s funeral service in Auckland, he assured her that if he get into office, she will return home.

Also attending Dr Brij Lal’s Homecoming and Interment is Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, Richard Naidu, and Cabinet Ministers.