Attorney-General Graham Leung has indicated that one approach to revising the 2013 Constitution could involve seeking an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court regarding the constitutional basis of its amendment provisions. During a recent media conference, Leung emphasized his belief that a constitution should be a dynamic document that evolves with the needs and desires of the populace, asserting, “The world doesn’t stand still.”
Leung acknowledged the growing public demand for change, affirming that the Government is attentive to these sentiments. He highlighted that 2025 is a pivotal year leading up to the anticipated general election in 2026, creating a packed legislative calendar for the Government.
He stated, “This is a crowded year in terms of the government’s law-making agenda,” indicating that various options for constitutional change are currently under consideration. These could range from targeted amendments to a comprehensive review of the document. Leung suggested that the Government might opt to address less contentious or simpler issues first, but ultimately warned that any changes would require significant deliberation.
He pointed out the complexity of altering the existing Constitution, noting that it cannot be accomplished hastily or without thorough reflection. “If you try and change things hurriedly, without careful consideration, you could dismantle institutions and cause unintended chaos,” he cautioned.
Highlighting the necessity of a bipartisan approach, Leung insisted that any constitutional adjustments should be made collaboratively with input from political parties and civil society. He also referenced Professor Anthony Reagan from the Australian National University, who remarked on the difficulty of amending Fiji’s Constitution, underscoring the formidable challenge of rallying adequate parliamentary support and public consensus.
In closing, Leung expressed his viewpoint that, while differing opinions are a healthy part of a democratic society, each perspective should be approached with respect and constructiveness, fostering a diverse dialogue around the future of the Constitution.
This ongoing discussion about constitutional reform can be seen as a hopeful indicator of a government that is willing to engage with the public and adapt to changing circumstances. By prioritizing thoughtful and inclusive dialogue, there is potential for meaningful advancements that truly reflect the will of the people. The Attorney-General’s recognition of the need for a careful, respectful process signifies a commitment to governance that values collaboration and deliberation in a democratic society.
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