Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry is hoping the 2023/2024 National Budget also sets aside funding to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In a statement, the former prime minister said this was discussed in the wake of the reconciliation ceremony organised by the Methodist Church in Fiji during the Girmit celebrations last month.
Mr Chaudhry also wrote to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka this month to ask that Government set up such a commission.
According to Mr Chaudhry, there was no time better than the present to help the country move in this direction.
“There is still a long way to go to establish the truth on the events of 1987, 2000 and 2006 to grant its victims justice,” he said.
“But more importantly, we must look to the future and take concrete steps to prevent coups and other forms of political violence from ever again destroying the fabric of our society.”
Mr Chaudhry also said such an institution would be crucial towards creating a better understanding between Fiji’s diverse communities and to advise government on the steps it should take to promote national harmony, understanding and peace.
He also advised Government to empower such institutions to address grievances and concerns of different communities and groups that make up the nation.
