Recently, I had a chance encounter with my old friend Bessie Ali in downtown Melbourne, which reminded me of the significant contributions of her late husband, Dr. Ahmed Ali, a largely forgotten figure from Fiji’s history. Dr. Ali, who was my teacher at Marist Brothers High School and later a colleague at the University of the South Pacific (USP), played a pioneering role for myself and others at USP, including prominent academics like Yadhu Nand Singh and Professor Vijay Naidu.
Dr. Ali and I shared similar backgrounds as Toorak Indo-Fijians who broke tradition by marrying Chinese partners. Bessie, the former principal of Yat Sen Secondary School, is an accomplished individual in her own right. Both Dr. Ali and I dedicated ourselves to serving our community and were sympathetic to the aspirations of indigenous Fijians, while also advocating for the rights of the Indo-Fijian community.
Dr. Ali’s political journey was a divergence from mine. He served in various indigenous Fijian governments despite their reliance on coups, holding ministerial positions under leaders like Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Sitiveni Rabuka. Unfortunately, Dr. Ali’s association with the minority Muslim community and his efforts to enhance its political representation in Parliament may have led to his being overlooked by the broader Indo-Fijian community.
Dr. Ali’s academic achievements are noteworthy. By the time I joined USP in 1974, he was an established lecturer in the History Department, having earned his PhD from the Australian National University. His significant body of work includes pioneering studies on Indo-Fijian experiences in Fiji, especially during the indentured labor period. His publications cover a wide range of topics, including:
Books such as “The Indenture Experience in Fiji” (1971), “Race Class and Rebellion in the South Pacific” (1979), and “Politics in Melanesia” (1982), among others, showcased his commitment to documenting and analyzing the experiences of Indo-Fijians.
In the early years of my education at Marist Brothers High School, I was fortunate to learn from Dr. Ali, who later became a mentor during my teaching career. Despite a memorable incident in class that resulted in my receiving punishment for a smart remark, Dr. Ali’s support was invaluable during my time as a student and later as a fellow educator. He advocated for merit-based awards, ensuring that students like myself were recognized for our achievements in sports.
Dr. Ali’s career at USP encountered challenges as he faced a management dominated by expatriates. Nonetheless, his dedication and impressive academic output saw him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming Head of the History Department and earning the title of Reader (Associate Professor). He mentored younger faculty members and participated in various administrative roles within the institution.
His political involvement began when he was appointed General Secretary of the Alliance Party, where he was later elected to Parliament. Dr. Ali served as Minister for Education and Minister for Information, where he played a critical role in various studies and consultations that influenced Fiji’s social and economic development. Though his political stance sometimes alienated him from segments of the Indo-Fijian community, he remained committed to advancing multi-racial cooperation and governance in Fiji.
Dr. Ahmed Ali was a dedicated educator, historian, and public servant who contributed significantly to Fiji’s development at its highest levels. His legacy is a reminder of the vital role individuals like him played in shaping the political and social landscape of Fiji. Dr. Ali passed away in 2005 in Sydney, where he was laid to rest with the assistance of a fellow businessman. His life exemplified a true commitment to Fiji, making him a significant figure for future generations to remember.