Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has strongly defended his stance against accusations that he has neglected the needs of Indo-Fijians. He condemned these claims as “nasty race-based politics” intended to sow division among the people of Fiji. Prasad attributed these tactics to certain political figures and media outlets, suggesting that they are trying to exploit his Indo-Fijian heritage to create racial discord.
He addressed the narrative pushed by some opponents that the government’s policies are racially biased, stating that past administrations, particularly under leaders like Banimarama and Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, had used race as a tool for political gain. In contrast, Prasad emphasized that the current government’s initiatives are designed to benefit all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. He cited various examples: when raising the cane price for farmers, distributing back-to-school support, and offering subsidies to agricultural producers, all actions are taken without regard to ethnicity.
This comes in the context of ongoing discussions about the government’s efforts to build a merit-based scholarship system that replaces previous ethnic-based schemes. Prasad reiterated that government assistance is meant for every Fijian, highlighting the importance of unity and equitable treatment in addressing the needs and welfare of the population.
In light of similar discussions of government performance, Prasad noted that the public has shown increased satisfaction with the current administration, countering earlier fears and misinformation spread during election cycles. He encouraged his political rivals to refrain from misleading the public and to focus instead on collaborative efforts that can improve the lives of all Fijians.
Overall, Prasad’s statements reflect a commitment to inclusivity and a call for constructive political discourse, which could foster a more united and resilient society as Fiji continues to tackle its challenges.
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