NATIONAL Federation Party (NFP) candidate for the 2022 polls Sashi Kiran says she has worked with the iTaukei people and in iTaukei communities for many years and has always felt safe.
Speaking on Sashi Singh’s Talking Point on Facebook, the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprise and Development founder said it made her “very angry” every time Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama spoke about bloodshed during campaign meetings.
“That’s why I put that (political advertisement regarding peace and security) together – peace and security – this country has been peaceful,” she said.
“If you remember, when Syria, the fifth ship (carrying indentured labourers from India), was wrecked in the colonial days, the indigenous people did not wait for the leader to come and tell them to rescue the people of Indian origin. They went out and rescued.
“I have often said that when I went to PNG for election observation and I was in a boat in rough seas, I realised how much I trust my people in this land (Fiji).
“Every time I have been in a boat in choppy waters, whether it’s Yasawa or Lau, I have always felt very safe. I have worked in extreme rural areas and I have never felt a threat or fear living amongst the indigenous people.
“I actually feel very protected and safe. So somebody coming in and saying that you need a leader to keep one ethnic group safe from the other, it makes me really, really angry because we have lived together peacefully each time a politician does not come to poke us around.”
Ms Kiran also urged voters to have the courage to do the right thing on election day.
“We are not where we should be right now. Each vote can make a difference.
“I would like people to please put their trust in us and give us four years to try and change the situation and if you don’t trust us after that, if you think we’ve failed you, by all means you can take the last Government back.”
