Fiji is currently grappling with what the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, describes as a “culture of convenience.” This culture refers to the tendency of individuals or groups to take shortcuts for personal or political gain. His comments came in response to findings from the Government’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which indicated a lack of trust in both the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Seruiratu emphasized this is a crucial moment for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address the events surrounding past coups. He urged that those who played a role in these political upheavals should be allowed to recount their experiences. This call includes individuals involved in the events of 2000 and members of the military from the Queen Elizabeth and Sukanaivalu Barracks who were imprisoned as a result. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the narratives linked to the 1987 events as well, asserting that only the truth can lead to healing.
As a former officer in the RFMF, Seruiratu remarked that failing to disclose the truth would allow the ongoing issues to persist, likening it to sweeping cobwebs while the spider remains.
Regarding constitutional matters, Seruiratu insisted that discussions on reviewing the 2013 Constitution should only occur after the TRC process is genuinely and thoroughly completed. He pointed out that Fiji’s challenges stem not from the Constitution itself but from the egos of those who feel marginalised by the democratic process and subsequently resort to coups to fulfill their political ambitions.
He noted that the events of 1987 necessitated changes to the 1970 Constitution, and similarly, the events of 2000 and 2006 led to the replacement of the 1997 Constitution. In both instances, the new Constitutions included provisions for immunity to protect those responsible from facing legal consequences.
Seruiratu concluded that addressing these issues will require meaningful leadership and commitment from all sectors of society, including political and community leaders, chiefs, religious figures, the business community, and the general populace, ensuring that their interests are prioritized throughout this process.
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