Fiji has been described as experiencing a “culture of convenience,” according to the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu. He pointed out that the allure of convenience has led individuals and groups to take shortcuts for their own benefit and political gain. His comments were in response to findings from the Government’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which indicated a lack of trust in the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Seruiratu emphasized the need for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to serve as a platform for the RFMF to disclose the circumstances surrounding past coups. He stated, “To achieve this, we must allow those involved in past political turmoil to share their accounts,” which includes individuals recently released from the 2000 events and military members who were imprisoned as a result.
He also noted that the narratives of those associated with the coups from 1987 should be included, asserting that only through honesty can the nation find freedom. As a former RFMF officer, Seruiratu warned against ignoring the truth, comparing it to neglecting a spider lurking while merely clearing away its cobwebs.
On the topic of constitutional revisions, Seruiratu called for discussions regarding amendments to the 2013 Constitution to occur only after the TRC process is sincerely concluded. He argued that Fiji’s challenges do not stem from the Constitution itself, but rather from the egos of individuals or groups dissatisfied with the democratic process, which has historically led to coups in pursuit of personal and political ambitions.
He drew parallels between past events where new constitutions were drawn up following coups, noting that these documents often included immunity provisions to shield their architects from legal consequences. Seruiratu stressed that addressing the situation would require authentic leadership and collaboration from all sectors of society, including political figures, community leaders, chiefs, religious representatives, the business sector, and the general populace to ensure their concerns remain central to the discussions.
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