Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill to be debated on Wednesday

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill will be debated on Wednesday after it was brought in Parliament under Parliamentary Standing Order 51 by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The Bill seeks to establish the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to facilitate open and free dialogue and to provide a forum to address historical grievances and promote national unity and reconciliation in Fiji.

While tabling the Bill, Rabuka says it needs to be put to debate now as there has been sufficient awareness and consultations undertaken, encompassing a broad cross-section of the society.

Rabuka says it is hoped that many who have suffered gross human rights violations and their families and communities will find healing and closure.

While speaking in support of the motion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says this Bill has already been presented in Parliament, and members have had ample time to review it.

Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the people who are in Opposition were the ones using Standing Order 51 when he was in Opposition.

He says out of all the Bills that were brought by the very people who are raising their voices today, about 90 percent of it were brought under Order 51 and when compared to this government, a very small percent has been brought under Order 51.

While commending the Commander of the RFMF, Ro Filipe says the environment right now is for reconciliation as there has been wide consultation.

Opposition Group of 16 Member, Jone Usamate says the Coalition Government is seeking its own opinions on this particular Bill.

Usamate also highlighted that when discussing truth and reconciliation, there is too much focus on reconciliation without addressing the truth.

He adds true reconciliation can only happen when the truth is fully revealed.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj displayed his strong disagreement, stating that he does not believe the Bill should be expedited.

While opposing the motion for debate under Order 51, Opposition MP Premila Kumar says the Committee is not being given an opportunity to scrutinize the Bill.

She asks why should they be relying on civil servants to consult and bring it to Parliament for their approval when it is the work of the Parliamentary Committee to take the Bill into communities, get feedback, bring it back to Parliament and then make their decision.

Kumar says unfortunately, the government decided not to listen.