Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Shalen Kumar has referred a social media post by Opposition MP Ketan Lal to the authorities, calling for a criminal investigation into what he describes as a “calculated and profoundly divisive act.”
In a statement, Kumar said he “unequivocally condemns” Lal’s decision to share comments linking the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), the term Kai Viti, and the KVT crime gang — a connection he says is designed to inflame ethnic tensions.
“His reckless action… is a calculated, irresponsible, and profoundly divisive act against the foundations of our nation,” Kumar said.
“This behaviour is a gross betrayal of our national unity and deliberately seeks to undermine the multi-ethnic harmony that my Government is committed to defending.”
Kumar said he was particularly alarmed by Lal’s use of the term Kai Viti in a context connected to criminality, calling it a direct attack on the iTaukei people.
“This action indicates the severe gravity of classifying our people by race. It is nothing short of a cynical attempt to perpetuate ethnic differences and incite racial hatred,” he said.
The Assistant Minister stressed that he would not tolerate any form of ethnic targeting.
“Just as I would never tolerate similar generalized terms to cast aspersions on our Fijian Indian ethnic brothers and sisters, or any other community, I demand the same standard now.”
Kumar said Lal’s conduct may amount to a criminal offence and should be treated accordingly.
“In my view, the Honourable Ketan Lal must be investigated and charged for Inciting Communal Antagonism contrary to Section 65(2)(ii) of the Crimes Act 2009,” he stated. “His communication… meets the threshold for this serious indictable offence.”
He labelled the post “disrespectful” and “an act of siosio, vivialevu,” saying it represented a lowering of public discourse and a failure of responsibility for an elected official.
Kumar said the country must reject the politicisation of ethnicity.
“We must put an end to the political exploitation of race,” he said. “We all love our beloved nation. We must work together to build a future defined by unity and shared prosperity. Fiji deserves better.”
