The president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), Sai Lelea, has urged the party to enhance its political management. His remarks were made during the party’s general assembly in Lautoka last Friday.
Lelea emphasized that promoting transparency and accountability should be fundamental to their governance. He pointed out that there is a growing perception that the leadership is often in crisis management mode instead of proactively leading. This situation is distracting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other ministers from establishing a clear direction and vision for the party. He proposed the implementation of systems to alleviate these distractions, enabling leaders to focus on their roles.
Lelea also advocated for improved communication from government ministers, which would make key policies and programs more transparent and accessible to citizens globally. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all Fijians, regardless of their location, have access to clear information about government activities.
Moreover, he suggested that hiring political experts to advise ministers would be a significant step towards better governance. These advisors would provide essential expertise and guidance, allowing ministers to concentrate on serving the public.
Additionally, Lelea recommended establishing a regular schedule for ministerial interactions with overseas voters. He highlighted the potential of using radio programs and Zoom sessions in New Zealand to keep expatriates informed and foster direct communication, thereby enhancing connections between them and Fiji.
He emphasized the need for a Fiji where all citizens, both at home and abroad, are heard and respected. Lelea urged that leadership should be visionary and not merely reactive to challenges. Engaging overseas voters in party discussions and activities should not be limited to election periods, as their contributions and concerns are vital.
Lelea pointed out that with advancements in technology, distance should not impede communication. He suggested leveraging digital tools to involve overseas communities in discussions on critical legislative changes and reforms, thereby fostering a two-way dialogue that could strengthen democracy and ensure alignment with their perspectives.