Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to resist the influence of “political opportunists and extremists” as discussions intensify around potential amendments to Fiji’s Constitution. In a pointed social media post, Sayed-Khaiyum questioned whether such constitutional changes would genuinely relieve the struggles faced by everyday Fijians.
Sayed-Khaiyum stressed that Fijians already benefit from constitutional safeguards that protect their rights, including those of indigenous peoples. He expressed skepticism regarding whether Parliament’s focus on proposed amendments would positively impact ordinary citizens or address significant issues such as the growing disparity between the wealthy and the poor, as well as deteriorating public services and infrastructure.
The former Attorney General posed critical questions about the efficacy of such political maneuvers—asking if they would improve living costs, bridge societal gaps, or enhance government services. His conclusion was clear: these efforts, in his view, would yield little to no benefit for the populace.
His comments align with Prime Minister Rabuka’s intentions to review the 2013 Constitution, which he claims is essential for defining state powers and protecting fundamental rights. Rabuka has previously articulated the importance of an inclusive constitutional process reflective of Fiji’s diverse cultural and ethnic landscape.
As Fiji navigates these substantial discussions on constitutional reform, there remains hope that through open dialogue and a focus on inclusive governance, the challenges presented by Sayed-Khaiyum and others can lead to a more cohesive and representative framework for all stakeholders in Fiji. By prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens, the Rabuka administration may find a pathway toward fostering national unity and fostering an environment of cooperation among diverse communities.
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