The Coalition Government has firmly rejected former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s statement that the Supreme Court’s recent advisory opinion on constitutional change makes the Indian community more vulnerable.
In a statement released today, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka defended the idea of a national referendum, arguing that it would empower all Fijians equally, including Indo-Fijians.
“That argument does not stand when you look at what a referendum really means,” said Mr Rabuka.
“In a referendum, every community is part of the decision. Indo-Fijians, like all other minority groups, vote as equal citizens.”
He stressed that any constitutional amendment would require broad national support.
“Any government wanting to change the Constitution would have to win support from the whole nation.”
“This forces proposals to be fair, broad, and inclusive. Discriminatory ideas would never survive such a test.”
Mr Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labour Party, had warned that removing entrenched protections through a popular vote could leave Indo-Fijians and other minorities exposed.
“Mr. Chaudhry should stop making generalised statements when he does not have the mandate or the numbers to speak for all Indo-Fijians.”
“Political negotiations usually mean a few leaders making deals in closed rooms. That gives a small group of politicians veto power over the entire country, blocking needed changes and leaving Fiji stuck.
“A referendum is the opposite of backroom politics. It is open, transparent, and gives the final say to the people themselves. That is real democracy. That is what the Coalition Government welcomes entirely.”
“Mr. Chaudhry should move past the old style of politics and recognise that Fiji may now hold its first ever referendum. That would be a historic step, one that strengthens democracy for every community, not weakens it.
“As your Prime Minister, I give my assurance to all Fijians that this process belongs to you.”
