People need answers about the gold Rolex - Chaudhry

The Fiji Labour Party finds it appalling that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, adorned with a $150,000-plus gold Rolex watch allegedly gifted by a local businessman, would cloak himself in silence rather than accountability.

In a statement, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says Rabuka’s comments to the media yesterday — dismissing serious allegations with a smug “I have the right to remain silent”—is an insult to every Fijian struggling to make ends meet.

He asks if he is not the same leader who vowed to root out corruption and usher in an open, inclusive and accountable government - now hiding behind legal technicalities when cornered for an answer.

Chaudhry makes it clear that the burden of proof may lie with the accusers, but the burden of trust lies with him as Prime Minister.

He says Fijians don’t want dodgy courtroom tactics from Rabuka as they want upfront answers to questions about the gold Rolex on his wrist.

He adds that Rabuka’s silence doesn’t exonerate him but indicts him.

The FLP Leader says a questionably acquired gold Rolex watch doesn’t scream integrity — it reeks of the same corrupt sense of entitlement the Prime Minister swore to dismantle.

Chaudhry also highlighted that Rabuka does not need to run 100 metres in 11 seconds to be Prime Minister, but he does need the stamina to deliver on promises, not make excuses.

He says all this government has delivered so far in two years is broken promises, self-indulgence, indiscipline, scams and scandals.

Chaudhry says the people want answers and ask where the Rolex came from, who paid for it, and what they got in return.

The FLP Leader calls on Rabuka to step out from his silence and face the people he swore to serve—or keep hiding, and let history judge him as the man who traded a nation’s hope for a trinket.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the media yesterday that he has the right to remain silent after questions were asked regarding receiving a $150,000-plus gold Rolex watch from a local businessman.

Rabuka says those making the allegations must provide proof.

He also addressed concerns about his health and fitness for office, which was raised by the media, assuring the public that despite using a walking stick today, he remains well and fit to lead.

Rabuka says with two titanium knees and previously broken collarbones, he does not need to run 100 metres in 11 seconds to be Prime Minister.

He adds that the allegations are simply a distraction from the important issues he is focused on.

We had asked the Prime Minister again on who bought the watch as many people are raising the question. He is yet to respond.