Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his support for amending the 2013 Constitution, stating that the government is committed to reviewing it.
During a session in Parliament, Rabuka emphasized the importance of the Constitution in delineating state power and limitations, ensuring the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, and emphasizing the accountability of those in power to the public they serve.
He highlighted that, in a diverse nation like Fiji, it is crucial for the Constitution to emerge from a consensus that is inclusive of all communities. Rabuka reflected on historical perspectives, acknowledging criticisms stemming from the events of 1987, while underscoring the necessity of recognizing the changing dynamics of global ethnicities.
In recalling the late Archbishop Petero Mataca’s wisdom, he noted that all individuals in Fiji, regardless of their backgrounds, are connected to the land they inhabit, whether by birth or adoption.
Rabuka also remarked on the challenges posed by global upheavals, expressing hope that ethnic differences are not exploited politically. He underscored the importance of democracy, where diverse opinions, both for and against proposed changes, are encouraged to facilitate progress.