Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has emphasized that the Office of President should be occupied by someone with unwavering integrity, someone who is broadly accepted by all communities and symbolizes unity. He has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s nominee, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, claiming that he does not meet these essential criteria due to a questionable political history.
Chaudhry described Lalabalavu as a known ethno-nationalist who closely collaborated with the George Speight group and was involved in treasonable activities during the 2000 coup. He noted that Lalabalavu was convicted for taking part in an “unlawful assembly” at the Sukanaivalu Barracks amid the coup and was sentenced to eight months in prison in April 2005. During sentencing, Labasa Magistrate Sunil Kumar stated that Lalabalavu had influenced rebel soldiers to act unlawfully, which was contrary to the guidance expected from a high chief.
Chaudhry also pointed out that Lalabalavu later joined the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, notorious for its ultra-nationalist views. In May 2015, his parliamentary membership was suspended for two years after he was found guilty of making offensive remarks about the then Speaker, Jiko Luveni. Recently, he faced backlash for racist comments directed at Opposition Member Aliki Bia when criticizing the Melanesian community.
Chaudhry stated that someone with such a controversial record should not be considered for the presidency. He criticized Prime Minister Rabuka for what he perceived as bias by appointing individuals from his home province of Cakaudrove to prominent positions. Chaudhry also raised concerns over Rabuka’s handling of presidential nominations, noting the ambiguity around whether they were from the Coalition or the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), with SODELPA and NFP not clarifying their stance on Lalabalavu’s nomination.
He stressed that it seems contradictory for the Prime Minister to advocate for national unity while engaging in divisive politics. Chaudhry concluded that this approach is not in the best interest of Fiji’s future.
Fiji’s next President is set to be appointed during a Special Parliament Sitting on October 31.
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