Seruiratu says it is unfortunate that our very own military has been used in the political upheavals

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says it is unfortunate that our very own military had been used in the political upheavals as a means for those individuals, or a group of individuals to achieve their ulterior motives.

Seruiratu it’s only been 54 years since our independence yet we have had political upheavals because we had embraced a “culture of convenience” where the allure of convenience prompts individuals, or groups of individuals, to seek shortcuts for political and personal gain.

He says our soldiers, some of whose lives were unfortunately sacrificed, were mere pawns in the process.

Seruiratu says such is the level of our gutter politics and self-centredness which we must seek to eradicate, once and for all.

He says according to the National Security and Defence Review, trust in the RFMF wanes with every political upheaval, and this extends to government and other institutions of the State.

Seruiratu says for the RFMF as the bastion of hope and security for the people of Fiji, this is unfortunate and must be remedied.

He adds we now have the opportunity as a nation, with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to straighten things out and build the foundation for a united, progressive and peaceful Fiji. The Opposition Leader says the RFMF must be commended for having taken the lead in this front.

He says with the passing of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill No. 19 of 2024, the time is now apt for Fiji to take stock, and decide on the intricacies of the steps we need to take before we embark on the journey of rebuilding for our future.

Seruiratu stresses that before we embark on the “reconciliation” phase of the process, we must know the “truth”.

He says we must ensure that the people who had a part in the political upheavals of the past are allowed to tell their stories.

The Opposition Leader says this includes the recently released perpetrators of the 2000 events, and must include members of the military at the Queen Elizabeth and Sukanaivalu Barracks who were incarcerated as a result.

He says the stories of those involved in the events of 1987 must be considered in the frame as well because it is only the truth that will set us free.

Seruiratu says further talks on the review of the 2013 Constitution must only be considered after the process of the national truth and reconciliation has been completed, genuinely and honestly.

He says this is extremely important because our problems do not really lie in the constitution, but in the egos of individuals or groups of individuals who feel shortchanged by the democratic process thus resort to revolution to satisfy their political and personal desires.