Leader of the National Federation Party Biman Prasad has warned that attempts to politicise national identity during the constitutional review process are “deliberately being divisive.”
Professor Prasad said the NFP fully supports the use of “Fijian” as a common identity for all citizens, describing it as a source of unity.
“Calling every Fiji citizen a Fijian inculcates pride and patriotism,” he said.
He criticised those using submissions to the Constitution Review, including those attributed to the Great Council of Chiefs, to reignite racial debate.
“Those using this issue… and invoking racial debate are deliberately being divisive,” Professor Prasad said.
He stressed that national identity cannot simply be imposed, but must be embraced collectively.
“The question of a common identity is not one that can just be created by a law… it is important that we must all firmly feel and believe in it,” he said.
Professor Prasad noted that the term “Fijian” has long been recognised internationally, citing well-known figures such as Josefa Levula, Waisele Serevi and Vijay Singh.
“People forget that we were being called Fijians by the international community long before it was legislated,” he said.
He urged that the constitutional review process be guided by dialogue and unity rather than division.
“These must not be used by opportunists to invoke racist emotions… that have the potential to fan racial flames,” he said.
Professor Prasad said final decisions must reflect consensus and strengthen Fiji’s multi-ethnic society.
