Former attorney-general Graham Leung told the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) on February 23 that surviving decades of political upheaval required resilience, reflection and an active commitment to remembering the past so future generations do not repeat it.
Speaking at a hearing in Suva, Leung described the experience of living through Fiji’s coups over the last 30 years as “a rollercoaster”, saying the events “tested my resilience in a way that I could never have imagined.” He said he was struck by the fortitude of ordinary Fijians who continued to “carry on and to pick up the pieces” amid recurring political instability.
For Leung, one motive for giving evidence to the FTRC was preservation of historical records. “It’s important for the future, for posterity, for Fiji to keep an historical record of the coups so that the next generation learn what happened, what we did wrong, so they don’t repeat the mistakes we made,” he told commissioners. He framed his testimony as a contribution to a documented account that can guide civic memory and public debate.
Leung also set out a personal view of reconciliation that pushed back against legalistic solutions. “Reconciliation is not something that can be forced or imposed on anyone by Parliament passing a law,” he said, arguing it is fundamentally a human process that must be voluntary. “It must come from the heart and be volunteered. It is about coming to terms with something bad that has happened to you, or someone close to you, but recognising that if you don’t let go, it can harm you. My own view is that forgiveness is an integral part of reconciliation.”
He questioned the possibility of true reconciliation where lingering hatred or “unforgiveness” remains. “How can you reconcile with someone if you still hate them and have unforgiveness in your heart?” he asked, emphasising that genuine healing requires inner change as much as public measures.
Leung’s testimony is the latest in a series of FTRC hearings aimed at compiling accounts from political leaders, civil society and citizens affected by Fiji’s coups. By placing personal experience and the need for historical records at the centre of his submission, Leung signalled support for an archival approach to truth-telling alongside the Commission’s broader mandate to promote national healing.
He concluded by voicing hope that his participation would contribute to national learning and recovery. Through his appearance at the Suva hearing, Leung said he wanted to help Fiji “learn, heal, and build a stronger future,” underscoring the dual themes of memory and forgiveness that featured throughout his remarks.
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