Parliament’s initiative to form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will facilitate open dialogue between both victims and perpetrators.
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad made these remarks during the launch of former Parliament member Harish Sharma’s memoir in Suva on Thursday.
Professor Prasad emphasized that the TRC will play a vital role in analyzing the nation’s tumultuous past and aid in bringing closure to the darker periods of Fiji’s history.
He acknowledged that Mr. Sharma’s memoirs naturally cover the events of 1987 and their aftermath, stating, “Much has and is being done. And much can and will be done. The road ahead will not be easy. The difference is the past was fraught with danger. Now the future of freedom, hope, and glory beckons.”
In addition, Professor Prasad highlighted that the Coalition Government aims to avoid the governance issues that have plagued Fiji in the previous years.
He noted, “We have liberated Fiji from the limitations imposed on the media, the repression of free speech, and the rights of our workers.
“Of course, this newfound freedom has allowed individuals to openly criticize and blame the Coalition Government for various issues.
“Much of this criticism is malicious, defamatory, and at times, quite amusing.
“However, this does not mean that the Government will suppress freedoms.
“It is important to recognize that the Coalition is the first post-election government to remain in power for over a year after a transition from one group to another following a general election in our 54-year history of independence.”