Fiji has historically been benchmarked by other Pacific Islands countries in terms of public sector governance and economic management.
Many Pacific Island countries have used policies introduced in Fiji because of similar issues that confront them.
Our past leaders have gained respect from neighbouring governments and international agencies.
Recent events in Fiji including discussions in Parliament have raised eyebrows for many and questions are being asked about the leadership qualities of some politicians and public servants who are in positions of power.
These issues also raise bigger questions about values and principles of leaders who are in autonomous positions.
The behaviour of some leaders is appalling, and it is unfortunate that the Prime Minister is seen to be encouraging this behaviour.
Parliament, which is a legislative body of the government where policies and issues are debated, is also encouraging such behaviour without any action against such leaders.
The FijiFirst party has indeed lost credibility and there are clear signs that the young electorate and women are appalled at the behaviour of some male leaders who feel very entitled to be in positions of power.
The language that is used by some leaders is intimidating and abusive and there is a tendency of bullying behaviour against women.
Dr Mahendra Reddy was reported to have made the following derogatory comment about Lynda Tabuya: “Look at her dress code, this is Parliament, this is not a flea market”.
Should Government and its leaders tell women what to wear, what not to wear?
What about women’s rights, democracy and freedom?
Leaders should not concern themselves with what type of clothing a woman chooses to wear.
If they overreach in this way, it will cause restlessness and ultimately will threaten the peace of society.
It is very unfortunate that this comment comes from a minister who was an academic leader at Fiji National University – an institution of higher education that is proud of diversity, social inclusion and equality.
The PM described Opposition MP Lenora Qereqeretabua’s utterances as “evil”.
The leader of the country making such comments about a female MP in Parliament is appalling.
Such behaviour is not new. The PM made comments about Dr Rajni Chand in relation to her promotions at the University of South Pacific (USP).
These comments were condemned by many people including prominent advocate of women’s rights, Shamima Ali.
The PM and USP
There have been many instances where the PM has taken issues personally.
He made a comment in parliament about Prof Biman Prasad “hanging like a rat” and again blames him for the issues surrounding USP.
The PM’s comments in Parliament suggesting that the USP environment is “corrupt” has angered many current and former academics, students, parents, and alumni.
He may not be aware that the USP Council, which is the peak body of the University has Fiji Government appointees in it including (former) Education Minister Rosy Akbar, permanent secretary Anjneesh Jokhan, Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson and others.
His claims about corruption raises questions about the credibility of his own Government’s representatives in the USP Council.
The lack of judgement, respect and ongoing blunders continue.
Under the leadership of the FijiFirst party, the vice-chancellor of the USP was deported – but the USP Council rightly reinstated his appointment.
The PM ignores the blunder his Government has made in relation to the vice-chancellor’s deportation and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced he would continue to withhold Fiji Government funding from USP.
USP has a long and proud history and there is no doubt it will continue to provide quality education to students without Government funding.
What is becoming clear is that youths who account for more than 57 per cent electorate, including women, are moving away from FijiFirst.
FijiFirst party has a lot to do to educate its leaders and change the culture in the party.
However, this won’t happen given our key leaders are role modelling what others are following.
There are other instances where male FijiFirst party leaders who were in positions of trust have failed.
These include allegations in 2020 about the conduct for former Lands Minister Ashneel Sudhakar and FijiFirst party MP Joseph Nand drinking kava during a virtual Parliament meeting.
Successive governments have come and gone, however, we have not witnessed this level of disrespect to women in past.
The experience of our female peers and leaders with the disrespect and bullying culture they have witnessed has made them more strong and resilient.
Our female leaders will succeed, and it won’t be long when we will see a change in leadership.
Female leaders will respect male counterparts, they will be high achievers, they will be advocates of diversity and inclusion, they will be more ethical, and they will be role models for the next generation of female leaders – a trend that is already under way in Fiji.
We need change and together we can.
- MAHSOOD SHAH is a Professor and Dean at Swinburne University of Technology, Sydney Campus. The views expressed in this article are his own and not the university. Readers can contact Mahsood at shah_mahsood@hotmail.com
