The president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), Sai Lelea, has urged the party to enhance its political management. He addressed this issue at the party’s general assembly in Lautoka last Friday.
Mr. Lelea highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. He emphasized the need to improve political management, stating, “There’s a growing perception that our leadership is always in fire-fighting mode addressing crises rather than leading proactively. This distracts our leader, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and our ministers from establishing the necessary direction and vision.”
To combat these distractions, he called for the implementation of systems that would allow leaders the space to focus on their responsibilities. He also stressed the importance of open communication among government ministers to ensure that key policies and programs are clear and accessible to all Fijians, regardless of their location.
Furthermore, Mr. Lelea proposed the hiring of political experts to advise ministers, which would offer the necessary expertise and guidance to help them concentrate on serving the people more effectively.
He suggested that a regular schedule of ministerial engagement with overseas voters be established, using platforms like radio programs and Zoom sessions to keep them informed and facilitate direct communication. He believes that all Fijians, both at home and abroad, should feel heard, respected, and connected.
“We must lead with vision, not just react to the challenges we face,” Mr. Lelea added, stressing the importance of involving overseas voters in the party’s initiatives. He noted that Fijians living in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond remain closely tied to their homeland and should not be overlooked.
Mr. Lelea emphasized the necessity of continuous engagement with overseas voters, suggesting that officials should interact with these communities regularly, rather than just during election seasons. He announced that with the advancement of technology, distance should no longer impede communication, and digital tools could be utilized to involve overseas citizens in discussions on significant legislative changes and reforms.
“This two-way dialogue can enhance our democracy and help ensure we remain attuned to their perspectives,” he concluded.