Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the necessity of reviewing the 2013 Constitution. Speaking at the National Federation Party Annual Convention in Sigatoka, he expressed concerns that the existing Constitution imposes regressive restrictions on human rights.
Rabuka acknowledged that, as a coalition government, they might be tempted to accept clauses that provide them with undue advantages and concentrated power. However, he insisted that this approach would be unjust, unrealistic, and undemocratic.
He stated, “Truth and reconciliation as a nation are essential for healing and for addressing Fiji’s historic political turmoil and the atmosphere of fear and distrust that has impacted our society. For too long, we have internalized the pain and trauma from our political history and have not recognized the burdens passed down through generations.”
Supporting the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, National Federation Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad called for open discussions about the nation’s traumatic past to better understand its implications and to find a way forward.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his personal commitment to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as part of the effort to create a fair and equitable constitution.