Yanktesh Permal Reddy, commonly known as Y P Reddy, was not only a leading figure in the tourist industry as well as a philanthropist renowned for his social and charitable work, but a man who was principled and championed the rule of law and democracy at all times.
National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad stated this saying Reddy, provided selfless service to the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) including 23 years as its President that saw Sangam make giant strides and evolve into Fiji’s largest cultural organisation and a prominent stakeholder in the education sector.
Prof. Prasad says andd in conformity to his principled values for rule of law and democracy, Reddy served as Chairman of the Management Board of the National Federation Party from 1992 to 1999.
He says this was a crucial time for the NFP and its then Leader Jai Ram Reddy, who through painstaking negotiations, perseverance and absolute commitment, worked together with the then (and current) Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to give Fiji the internationally acclaimed 1997 Constitution.
The NFP Leader says the 1997 Constitution was and is the only supreme law of our land that was subjected to the fullest scrutiny by both the people, the Great Council of Chiefs, as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate in Fiji’s bi-cameral parliament that existed until December 2006.
He says as Chair of the Management Board, Reddy was responsible for ensuring the Party left no stones unturned in its quest for a fair and just Constitution.
Prof. Prasad says Reddy played a prominent role in securing resources in this regard in terms of a comprehensive submission to the Reeves Commission whose Report evolved into the Constitution.
He says from 1992 to 1999, Reddy also served as the Chairman of the NFP Selection Committee.
The NFP Leader says YP Reddy joined NFP on the eve of the general elections in 1982 after quitting the Alliance Party of then PM Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He says he became a close advisor to the then Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Reddy and this partnership would last for over 17 years.
Prof. Prasad says despite the end of their close political association as Mr Jai Ram Reddy exited politics after the 1999 elections, their friendship and respect for each other remained strong as ever.
He says Y P Reddy’s views played a role in the shaping of NFP policies on tourism, trade, industry and commerce.
The Deputy Prime Minister says not only that, as a renowned philanthropist, YP Reddy had great understanding of the lives of farmers, the working class and those struggling to make ends meet.
He says his views and close interactions with ordinary people also contributed towards the development of the party’s policies on the sugar industry, increasing employment opportunities and relief for people especially those living in poverty or on the margins of poverty.
Prof. Prasad says the NFP manifesto for the 1982 elections contained policies such as free bus fare for school students and many other sound and sensible solutions.
He says Y P Reddy embraced and championed Jai Ram Reddy’s leadership following the coups of 1987 and he was rewarded by the Party’s all-powerful Working Committee to Chair both the Management Board governing party affairs between AGMs as well as the Selection Committee called upon to scrutinise and select the right candidates in conformity to the NFP Constitution before every general election or by-election.
The Minister for Finance says Y P Reddy holds the distinction of serving both roles between 1992 and 1999 and he was Management Board Chair for 7 years and Selection Committee head for the 1992 general elections, 1994 snap polls and 1999 general elections.
He says he was also the Deputy Chair of the Selection Committee for the 2001 elections, having been succeeded by Jagindra Singh in his capacity as Party President following changes to the party’s structure after 1999 elections.
Prof. Prasad says Y P Reddy took a back seat from the governance structures of NFP and political developments due to his age but his heart and mind were always with the Party and its leadership. From April 2000 till his death, he remained the Chairman of Trustees of NFP.
He says Y P Reddy was a self-made industrious and innovative man who believed in honesty and hard work.
The NFP Leader says Reddy believed in meritocracy and handsomely rewarding those loyal to values and virtues that made him a household name.
He says while personal, social and economic advancement is the desire of every business, Y P Reddy believed in national interest and that is the well-being of the people of Fiji at all times.
Prof. Prasad says he remained true to his principles as one who never shirked the fundamental principle of democracy and the rule of law.
The NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad, Party President Mr Parmod Chand, parliamentary caucus, management board and members convey their heartfelt condolences to Mrs Vimla Reddy and the entire Reddy family.
May Mr Y P Reddy have eternal rest.
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