The President and Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu believes discussions surrounding the review of Fiji’s Constitution should bring people together.
He said national identity had become one of the key issues in the constitutional review process.
“You may have noticed that discussions are now underway on the review of Fiji’s Constitution. One of the issues attracting considerable attention is the question of our national identity,” Ratu Naiqama said.
He chose to publicly share his personal views because he believed the discussion should promote unity.
“As President, I have an important constitutional responsibility to serve every citizen of our country with fairness, dignity and respect,” the President said.
He said every person who had acquired Fiji citizenship, whether by birth or through naturalisation, should be recognised as a Fijian.
“That identity belongs equally to every citizen of our nation.”
Ratu Naiqama said he had deliberately remained silent on the issue until recently.
“I have chosen to share my personal view publicly because I believe it is important that our conversations about identity promote respect, understanding and unity among all the people of Fiji.”
He said while people may hold different views, the constitutional review should be used as an opportunity to strengthen national unity rather than create division among citizens.
