Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reflected on the challenges faced by the Coalition Government over the last two years, recalling how he was labeled a “snake” and faced numerous accusations during the lead-up to the 2022 General Election. In his remarks, he emphasized that the use of race as a political tool was significant during that period.
Describing his experiences, Mr. Rabuka stated, “I was demonised, accused of many things, and labelled a snake.” He noted that he has developed a thick skin towards personal insults, recalling similar experiences in his previous term as Prime Minister from 1992 to 1999 alongside Jai Ram Reddy.
He pointed out that both he and Professor Biman Prasad encountered aggressive political tactics in the elections of 2018 and 2022, which instilled fear among voters. Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the apprehension felt particularly within the Indo-Fijian community and expressed a desire to reintroduce himself, humorously stating his fondness for dhal and rice.
The Prime Minister also asserted that Mr. Prasad would not have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding for a coalition government if there was not mutual trust between them and the National Federation Party (NFP). He urged the community to trust him, stating, “I want to, once and for all, put an end to fear and doubts about my sincerity as a national leader.”
Mr. Rabuka expressed confidence that by the next election, the electoral landscape in Fiji would be fundamentally altered from what it has been in the past, emphasizing the commitment of the three-party coalition government to rebuild the nation’s future together.