Mahendra Chaudhry, the leader of the Fiji Labour Party, has called for an end to racial discrimination as Fiji celebrates Diwali. He emphasized the festival’s message of good triumphing over evil, urging citizens to move from ignorance to knowledge in pursuit of truth and happiness.
Chaudhry acknowledged that while slogans like “unity in diversity” are popular, the reality of achieving true unity remains challenging. He pointed out that diversity often overshadows the potential for unity in Fiji. He encouraged Fijians to work together for a better future, asserting that no single community can thrive alone—an idea that has been tragically underscored by the country’s past coups.
He expressed that equality must be prioritized to attain unity and peace, highlighting that discrimination persists despite constitutional safeguards. Chaudhry suggested that the advent of a proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission could be an opportune moment to address these ongoing issues. He believes that fostering unity will create better opportunities for younger generations, helping them flourish in a stable and prosperous environment, in stark contrast to the political turmoil and economic uncertainty they have experienced.
This message of hope not only resonates during Diwali but serves as a reminder of the collective strength and potential for progress when communities come together. The call for reconciliation is a pivotal step toward building a more inclusive and harmonious Fiji for all its citizens.
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