Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has addressed claims made in Parliament regarding the origins of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, asserting that it stemmed not from a secretive committee but from comprehensive public consultations with a variety of stakeholders. During discussions surrounding the Constitution Amendment Bill, Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized the pivotal role played by the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF), which facilitated extensive nationwide dialogue.
He noted that the NCBBF was crucial for engaging both governmental bodies and civil society organizations, leading to significant recommendations such as the reduction of the government term from five years to four. The initiative also included the creation of the People’s Charter, which saw over 1,256 community meetings documented across villages and settlements throughout Fiji.
Further building on these consultations, the Constitutional Commission, led by Yash Ghai, conducted additional public discussions that aided in crafting a draft Constitution. Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted that feedback from citizens and key political figures, including current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, was incorporated into the constitutional framework, which included significant changes like lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 and safeguarding iTaukei land ownership.
He strongly refuted any assertions that the Constitution was developed in secrecy by a select group, deeming such notions as unfounded and misleading. Additionally, he condemned efforts to diminish the Constitution’s legitimacy through misinformation.
This topic has gained momentum amid current discussions on the inclusivity of the 2013 Constitution, with influential figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu advocating for a review to better reflect the varied opinions of the Fijian people. These conversations are part of a much larger effort to enhance citizen engagement and create an inclusive governance structure that values participation from all sectors of society.
These ongoing discussions signify a promising path for Fiji, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating diverse perspectives in governance and constitutional matters. As these dialogues evolve, there remains a collective hope for a Constitution that genuinely resonates with the people of Fiji, fostering unity and understanding for the future.
Leave a comment