Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has spoken out about the accusations and criticisms he faced during the lead-up to the 2022 General Election, describing a climate where racial tensions were frequently exploited. Reflecting on the Coalition Government’s political journey over the past two years, Mr. Rabuka noted that he was branded a “snake” and subjected to various personal insults.
He emphasized that he has become immune to such attacks, recalling similar experiences from his previous time as Prime Minister between 1992 and 1999, where he faced derogatory remarks alongside former leader Jai Ram Reddy. During the recent elections in 2018 and 2022, he and Professor Biman Prasad encountered similar tactics, which they managed to disregard despite their potential to create fear among voters.
Addressing concerns within the Indo-Fijian community, Mr. Rabuka introduced himself, stating, “I am Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, whose favourite dish is dhal and rice,” and reassured the community of his commitment to unity and progress. He underscored the trust established between himself and Mr. Prasad, suggesting that a post-election coalition was built on mutual confidence.
Mr. Rabuka expressed his desire to dispel any lingering doubts regarding his sincerity as a national leader, particularly towards the Indo-Fijian population. “Trust me when I say we are rebuilding Fiji’s future together, united as a three-party coalition government,” he stated. He concluded by hinting at a transformative electoral landscape for the next election compared to previous experiences.