Sai Lelea, the president of the People’s Alliance New Zealand (PANZ), has urged the party to enhance its political management. Speaking at the party’s general assembly in Lautoka last Friday, Mr. Lelea emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
He pointed out a growing perception that the leadership is often reactive, addressing crises instead of proactively guiding the party. This situation, he noted, distracts Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other ministers from focusing on their vision and goals. Lelea suggested implementing systems to minimize these distractions and allow leaders the freedom to lead effectively.
Mr. Lelea advocated for open communication from government ministers, stressing that key policies and programs should be easily understood and accessible to all Fijians, regardless of their location. He insisted that every citizen should have clear information about government activities.
Furthermore, he recommended employing political experts to advise ministers under civil service conditions. These advisors could provide essential expertise, helping ministers concentrate on serving the public.
Additionally, he proposed regular ministerial engagement with overseas voters, including radio programs and Zoom sessions to keep them informed and open communication lines, thus strengthening the connection between them and Fiji.
Lelea underlined the need to ensure that voices from abroad are heard and valued, urging ongoing engagement rather than just during election times. He called for officials to visit overseas communities regularly to gather insights and support.
In today’s digital age, he noted that distance should not hinder communication, and digital tools should be leveraged to involve overseas voters in consultations on significant legislative changes and reforms. This dialogue can enhance democracy and ensure the government remains aligned with the perspectives of all Fijians.