Ratu Josaia Niudamu tells Ketan Lal to stop with racist remarks of traditional leaders

Assistant Minister for Justice, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, launched a direct attack in Parliament against Opposition MP Ketan Lal, accusing him of making racist and disrespectful remarks about Fiji’s traditional leadership institutions.

In his response to the 2025–2026 National Budget, Niudamu condemned Lal’s May 21st social media post opposing the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs and told him to stop with the racist remarks and work collaboratively with the traditional leaders of the Vanua.

He reminds Lal of the deep-rooted significance of the Vanua and the chiefly system in Fiji’s history and identity.

He says that Lal is young and does not understand nor appreciate the role of tradition, culture, and the Vanua in the life of this nation, and that the Great Council of Chiefs returns as a milestone in restoring dignity and self-determination to Indigenous Fijians.

He says it was under this government’s leadership that the people and other indigenous communities could now shape their future economically, culturally, and politically.

Ratu Josaia Niudamu fully supported the 2025–2026 National Budget while condemning racism, defending indigenous rights, and calling for stronger investment in rural Fiji.

He says there is a proposal for a Ra-based entrepreneurship centre for youth and women with upgrades on roads connecting rural areas to markets, schools, and clinics and also support for electricity and water access.

Naidamu called for unity in Parliament and urged fellow MPs to stop using language that divides the nation.