Fiji has been experiencing what the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Inia Seruiratu describes as a “culture of convenience,” which refers to the tendency of individuals or groups to take shortcuts for personal and political gain. His comments come in response to the findings of the Government’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which identified a lack of trust in both the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Mr. Seruiratu pointed out that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) provides a crucial opportunity for the RFMF to disclose the circumstances surrounding past coups. He emphasized the importance of allowing those involved in these political tumultuous periods to share their narratives. This includes individuals implicated in the events of 2000 and military personnel from the Queen Elizabeth and Sukanaivalu Barracks who were imprisoned due to these incidents. Additionally, he mentioned the necessity of considering the experiences of those involved in the events of 1987, asserting that only through truth-telling can Fiji truly move forward.
As a former RFMF officer, Mr. Seruiratu noted that neglecting to unveil the truth would be akin to merely dusting over a persistent problem without addressing its root cause.
On the topic of constitutional reform, he argued that discussions regarding the review of the 2013 Constitution should only take place after the TRC has concluded its work, and this must be done sincerely. He pointed out that Fiji’s challenges are not embedded within the Constitution itself, but rather stem from the egos of individuals or groups who feel marginalized by the democratic process and resort to coups for self-serving purposes. He highlighted that historical events, such as those in 1987, 2000, and 2006, resulted in changes to the Constitution, which often included immunity provisions for those instigating such upheavals.
Mr. Seruiratu concluded by stating that meaningful change would require leadership and genuine commitment from all sectors of society, including political and community leaders, chiefs, religious figures, and the business community, with the welfare of the populace being central to these efforts.
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