Mosese Bulitavu, a member of the G9 crossbench in Parliament, has expressed recognition of the release of George Speight, the civilian coup leader from the 2000 coup. Bulitavu is the first G9 MP to comment on Speight’s release. Speight was granted Presidential immunity last Thursday after the Mercy Commission reviewed his application on Wednesday.
Bulitavu stated, “He (Speight) has served his time! We need to move away from our past and, through reconciliation, seek restoration.” He noted that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is leading the reconciliation process, and Speight’s release represents a significant step forward.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the perspectives of those who have also spent time in prison, saying, “Only a few of us politicians who have served time will grasp why a fully rehabilitated prisoner merits a second chance.” Bulitavu added that it is crucial for society to change its perspective on those who have committed crimes and welcome them back after their rehabilitation in the Fiji Corrections Service.