Fiji is currently experiencing what has been termed a “culture of convenience,” according to Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of Opposition (LoP). This notion implies that the allure of convenience often leads individuals or groups to take shortcuts for personal or political gain. His comments were made in response to the findings of the Government’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which pointed to a significant lack of trust in both the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Mr. Seruiratu emphasized the need for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to serve as an opportunity for the RFMF to disclose the circumstances surrounding previous coups. He stated, “To achieve this, those involved in past political turmoil must be permitted to share their narratives,” which includes individuals recently released from involvement in the events of 2000, as well as military personnel who faced confinement due to their roles during that period. He added that accounts from those involved in the 1987 events should also be included, asserting that transparency is essential for genuine healing.
Drawing from his experience as a former RFMF officer, he remarked, “If the truth remains untold, it’s akin to merely clearing spiderwebs while the spider continues to roam.”
In discussing constitutional matters, Mr. Seruiratu advocated that discussions on amending the 2013 Constitution should only occur once the TRC process has been undertaken sincerely. He argued that Fiji’s issues stem not from the Constitution itself but from the ambitions of individuals or groups who feel marginalized by democracy, prompting them to stage coups to fulfill their political and personal aspirations. He pointed out that the political turmoil in 1987 necessitated changes to the 1970 Constitution, as did the events of 2000 and 2006, which resulted in the replacement of the 1997 Constitution. In both instances, the new constitutions included provisions for immunity designed to protect those who instigated these crises from legal repercussions.
Mr. Seruiratu concluded that resolving these issues will require robust leadership and genuine commitment from all sectors of society, including political and community leaders, chiefs, religious figures, business leaders, and the public, all of whom must prioritize the collective interests in these discussions.
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