We should not fear making changes to the Constitution - Leung

We should not fear discussing or making changes to the constitution.

This has been highlighted by Attorney General Graham Leung while responding to the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening speech in Parliament where he says it is human nature to fear what we do not know or what we do not understand, but change is part of our evolution as a young democracy.

Leung says the politics of fearmongering is misguided.

He says the government intends to address widespread community concerns about the supreme law of this country by introducing into Parliament a bill to amend the Constitution which is also a key part of government's legislative program for this session.

He adds there have been concerns expressed across the political spectrum about the rigorous amendment process outlined in Chapter 11 of the Constitution.

The Attorney General says a country's Constitution is a living, organic document which should reflect the wishes and the broad consensus of the people it purports to govern and it should be the product of wide citizen participation and not something that is imposed on the people.

Leung says an imposed Constitution lacks legitimacy.

The Constitution Amendment Bill is expected to be tabled in this Parliament session.