The president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), Sai Lelea, has called for significant improvements in the party’s political management. He made this statement during the party’s general assembly held in Lautoka last Friday.
Mr. Lelea emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance. He pointed out that there is a growing perception that the party’s leadership tends to react to crises rather than take proactive measures. This approach, he argued, distracts Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his ministers from setting a clear vision and direction.
“To address these distractions, we must implement systems that allow our leaders the freedom to lead,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of fostering open communication among government ministers, ensuring that key policies and programs are easily understood and accessible to all Fijians, no matter where they live.
In addition, Mr. Lelea suggested hiring political experts to advise ministers. These advisors would operate under civil service regulations, providing essential expertise and guidance to help ministers focus on delivering for the people.
Moreover, he proposed establishing a regular engagement schedule with overseas voters, citing the effectiveness of radio programs and Zoom sessions in New Zealand to keep them informed and facilitate direct communication.
Mr. Lelea advocated for a vision of a Fiji where all citizens, regardless of their location, are heard, respected, and connected. “We need to lead with vision rather than simply react to challenges,” he said, underscoring the importance of including overseas voters in the party’s considerations and activities.
He acknowledged that Fijians living abroad, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, remain deeply connected to their homeland, urging the party not to overlook their contributions and concerns. Continuous engagement with them, he argued, should occur year-round, rather than just during election seasons to maximize the insights and support they can provide.
In the digital age, Mr. Lelea stated that distance should not hinder communication, encouraging the utilization of technology to involve overseas voters in discussions about critical legislative changes and reforms. He concluded that such two-way dialogue would strengthen democracy and ensure the government remains aligned with the perspectives of all Fijians.