“I am not Sitiveni Rabuka, I am not Biman Prasad or Voreqe Bainimarama.”
This was the message from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu response to questions regarding his leadership style, as compared to those of his predecessor.
While appearing on The Fiji Times online news portal The Lens@177, he said leadership was not easy, however, he said there were guiding principles.
“There are mentors as well that we can refer to but, in the end, you will define your own legacy in leadership,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“For me, I am Inia Seruiratu. I am not Sitiveni Rabuka. I’m not Biman Prasad or Voreqe Bainimarama. I am myself and I always prefer to remain as such.
“Of course, there are times where the thoughts, and perhaps the guidance and decisions made by others may influence us but I always prefer to make the decisions on my own and of course, be subject to those decisions as well, and be ready to take responsibility over it.”
He said that for him, leadership was simple, but it meant not deviating from principles and ethics. Most importantly, he said, this was about serving the people.
“I believe in leadership amongst the people and not over the people or above the people. There is a challenge in that.
“The willingness to listen, the willingness to serve, willingness to learn, be corrected, and carry on with the focus and get on with the job.”
Mr Seruiratu said that everybody had their own leadership style and this was how one’s legacy would be defined.
