NATIONAL Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad says individual interests must be discarded in the hope of moving Fiji forward to 2017.

He made the comments in his new year’s message to the country yesterday.

“We recall the comments of the Prime Minister of India, the late Mrs Indira Gandhi when she visited Fiji in 1981.

Mrs Gandhi said: “Most of us believe in a multiracial and multicultural society, the texture of which is rich in variety and ethnicity.

Understandably, in such societies some tensions do arise but in a democratic setup we must have checks and balances to safeguard the rights of each ethnic group.

Hence a greater responsibility develops on leaders to show the way. The task is not easy. In every country there are some who think they have all the answers to the problems that beset us.”

Prof Prasad said those sentiments were still relevant to Fiji as “we strive for a harmonious future based on firm principles of democracy, good governance and economic growth”.

He also said the new year was a time of rejoicing, reflection, making resolutions and welcoming the new year with celebrations in a spirit of togetherness and harmony.

“It is also a time to remember the sick and the infirm, the less fortunate and all those unable to celebrate New Year with the same passion and vigour as others due to various reasons.”

Prof Prasad said Parliament decisions needed to be made in the national interest and narrow interests needed to be discarded.

“As a party born out of the struggle for dignity and justice of all our people, the NFP will continue the struggle for our beloved nation to once again become a beacon of hope and trust.

“We wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous and blessed 2017,” Prof Prasad said.