The Fiji Labour Party says Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna’s unwavering commitment to fairness, progress, and the welfare of all Fijians resonates deeply with the core tenets of the party.
While honouring the extraordinary legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna – chief, soldier and statesman, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says it is a day when we reflect on the values and principles that guided Ratu Sukuna’s leadership.
He says Ratu Sukuna’s belief in the 3-legged stool stands as relevant today as it did 80 odd years ago when Fiji was still a fledgling colonial state.
Chaudhry says Ratu Sukuna championed a Fiji where indigenous rights were protected, education was prioritized, and opportunities were accessible - the very ideals they continue to fight for today. He says although he strongly advocated preserving the identity of the indigenous people, he also came to realise that Fiji was a multi-racial community where each component needed to be treated equally for its advancement and progress – hence the concept of the 3-legged stool.
The former Prime Minister says this found realisation in his land policy in the early 1940s.
Chaudhry says Ratu Sukuna believed that land that was surplus to the needs of the indigenous community should be made available to the other races – to advance our economic interests.
He says his vision, foresight and leadership, laid crucial foundations for modern Fiji as his land policy eventually led to the growth of the sugar industry, contributing enormously to the economic development of independent Fiji.
Chaudhry says today as we face so many uncertainties - torn by bad governance, divisive policies and suspicions – it is timely to reflect on the values and legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and his commitment to the principles of nation building.
