Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry asserts that Fiji is currently in dire need of credible, strong, transparent, and visionary leadership. During his address at the Party’s annual delegates conference in Nadi, he emphasized that good governance is essential for the progress and well-being of all Fijians.
Chaudhry noted that the Coalition partners had made several commitments aimed at alleviating the struggles of the impoverished and correcting injustices perpetuated under FijiFirst’s administration, yet they have failed to deliver on these pledges. He stated, “People voted for change on December 22. They were looking forward to a transition to an open, clean, democratic, and community-focused governance system that prioritizes upholding the rule of law and good governance.” Unfortunately, he pointed out that citizens received none of these guarantees.
The former Prime Minister criticized the Coalition’s inability to fulfill its election promises and its neglect of crucial issues affecting everyday Fijians, which he believes has led to a significant crisis of trust in the leadership. “We have witnessed the government stumble from one scandal to another, creating national turmoil,” he remarked. Chaudhry expressed a troubling perception among the public of self-serving leadership lacking ethics and integrity, disconnected from the citizens’ needs and ambitions.
He drew comparisons to the leadership of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in the 1970s and early 1980s, illustrating how effective, caring governance contributes to a nation’s prosperity and stability. Chaudhry highlighted the accomplishments during his own party’s government in 1999/2000 when they achieved remarkable economic growth of 9.6% and made significant advancements in various sectors like sugar and tourism. He recalled the social reforms that helped low-income families, positioning Labour as a provider of clean and compassionate governance that honored its commitments to the Fijian people.
In conclusion, the call for a return to ethical and effective leadership suggests hope for positive change in Fiji’s political landscape. There remains a strong desire among the populace for accountability and governance that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens, reflective of the successes of past leadership models. Moving forward, the challenge will be for current leaders to instill confidence and restore faith in governance in Fiji.
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