The Fiji Labour Party has expressed concern over purported key recommendations made by the Great Council of Chiefs in its submission to the Constitution review process, describing some proposals as divisive and regressive.
Labour leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry said the call to reserve the common name “Fijian” exclusively for iTaukei people was discriminatory.
“The Chiefs’ call to reserve the common name ‘Fijian’ for the iTaukei only is divisive and discriminatory. It is a rebuff to the people of other races who also are citizens of Fiji,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He also raised concerns about the proposal to remove provisions declaring Fiji a secular state.
“Their demand to remove the section proclaiming Fiji as a secular state is alarming to say the least. All previous Constitutions… provided for freedom of worship and religion and this should be maintained,” he said.
Mr Chaudhry stressed the need for a modern Constitution that promotes inclusivity and democratic governance.
“Fiji needs a modern, republican and forward-looking constitution… a constitution that serves the people, not vested interests,” he said.
He added that past political instability had hindered the country’s development.
“We have had four coups and four Constitutions, and as a consequence, are four decades behind in development,” Mr Chaudhry said.
The Labour Party indicated it would address other issues raised in the GCC’s submission in its own presentation to the Review Commission.
“It’s time to stop planning coups and abrogating constitutions,” he said.
“It’s time to start building the nation under a government truly dedicated to the wellbeing of all the people.”
