Former Prime Minister and Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, emphasized the immediate need for reliable leadership in Fiji during his address at the Party’s annual delegates conference in Nadi. He highlighted that strong, transparent, and visionary leadership is essential for the progress and well-being of all Fijians.
Chaudhry expressed concern that the Coalition partners have failed to deliver on numerous promises made to alleviate the hardships faced by the impoverished population and to rectify the injustices that arose during the FijiFirst rule. He remarked that the electorate, who voted for change in December 2022, anticipated a shift towards a government characterized by openness, democratic values, and a commitment to rule of law and good governance. However, he lamented that these expectations have not materialized, as the current government has not provided the transparency and accountability promised.
The former Prime Minister criticized the Coalition for its inability to fulfill its electoral commitments and for neglecting critical issues that impact the everyday lives of citizens. He pointed out that the past two years have been marked by a series of government missteps and scandals, leading to a significant loss of public trust and confidence in its leadership. Chaudhry described a political atmosphere where leaders appear self-serving, lacking in ethics, and disconnected from the common people’s needs and aspirations.
He drew parallels with the leadership of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara from the 1970s and early 1980s, positing it as a model of competence and care, which led to national success. Chaudhry also referred to the achievements of the Labour-led government from 1999 to 2000, underlining that in just one year, they achieved an impressive 9.6% growth across various sectors such as sugar and tourism, while implementing social reforms that benefitted low-income families. He asserted that the Labour government was known for its clean, compassionate, and competent governance, which fulfilled its electoral promises.
In summary, Chaudhry’s remarks reflect a deep concern over the current leadership’s failures, calling for a return to effective governance that prioritizes the well-being of the Fijian people. He advocates for a leadership model that emphasizes integrity and accountability, instilling hope for a positive shift back towards effective governance.
This sentiment gives the Fijian public a beacon of hope, as the call for visionary leadership could pave the way for a revitalized government that truly listens to and serves the people.
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