Qarase worked hard for the economic progress of the indigenous Fijian community - Chaudhry

Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says although he and the late former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase had serious political differences, Chaudhry found him to be polite and courteous as a person.

Speaking after Qarase’s passing, Chaudhry says he and Qarase came closer following the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution in 2009, in their resolve for the restoration of parliamentary democracy.

Chaudhry says Qarase worked hard for the economic upliftment of the indigenous Fijian community throughout his public and political career, and takes much of the credit for proposing the establishment of the Fijian Holdings as an investment arm of the 14 provinces, following the 1987 coups.

The FLP Leader says much of Qarase’s subsequent political career, was devoted to pushing the indigenous cause through affirmative action policies during his term as Prime Minister and as founding leader of the SDL Party.

The only face-to-face political talkback between SDL leader Laisenia Qarase and FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry, before the 2006 General Elections. It was called The 'Real Deal' and hosted by CFL News Director, Vijay Narayan 

Chaudhry says the FLP regrets the passing of the former Prime Minister and prominent Fijian banker early this morning after a short illness.

He says Qarase had a long and notable career in the public service and the banking sector before he entered politics in 1999 as a Great Council of Chiefs Senator.

Chaudhry says after an initial stint at the Fijian Affairs Board, and later the Ministries of Finance, and Commerce and Industries, he moved to the banking sector, first as head of the Fijian Development Bank and later the Merchant Bank of Fiji.

He says it was as managing director of the FDB, a position he held for 15 years from 1983 to 1998, that Qarase acquired prominence as a banker and emerged to the forefront as an advocate of indigenous rights.

Chaudhry says in recent years, Qarase had largely retired from active politics and spent most of his time on development projects in his home village of Mavana, Vanuabalavu.

The FLP Leader says Qarase also used his wide expertise in finance and banking to manage the properties of the Methodist Church in Fiji.

The party has also conveyed their deepest condolences to Qarase’s wife Leba, his children and the people of Mavana.