OPPOSITION Leader Inia Seruiratu says the Opposition will remain in the Special Select Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 because it has a constitutional, parliamentary and moral responsibility to ensure the voices, rights and interests of all Fijians are heard and protected.
Acknowledging that some political parties had chosen to withdraw from the committee, Mr Seruiratu said the Opposition would not abandon its responsibilities because the process had become difficult or contentious.
He pointed out the Opposition’s continued participation must not be mistaken for an endorsement of the Government’s proposals or the manner in which the constitutional reform process has been managed.
He said the Government’s decision to seek an extension for tabling the Bill reinforced the Opposition’s longstanding concerns that the original timetable was too compressed, opportunities for meaningful public consultation were insufficient and adequate time had not been provided for proper scrutiny.
Acknowledging that some political parties had chosen to withdraw from the committee, Mr Seruiratu said the Opposition would not abandon its responsibilities because the process had become difficult or contentious.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Fiji – it does not belong to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, political parties or any particular Government,” he said.
He said the committee must independently examine the recommendations of the Constitution Review Commission against the proposals developed by the Special Cabinet Subcommittee, identifying what was retained, changed or omitted and the reasons behind those decisions.
“Parliament is not a rubber stamp for Cabinet decisions, and the Special Select Committee must not become a rubber stamp for decisions already made behind closed doors.”
He also stressed the importance of ensuring public submissions were genuinely considered, particularly the concerns of rural and maritime communities, women, young people, the elderly, persons living with disabilities and minority groups.
He maintained that any extension must provide genuine opportunities for proper scrutiny, meaningful consideration of public submissions and resolution of outstanding constitutional concerns, rather than simply allowing more time to secure parliamentary numbers.
Mr Seruiratu assured Fijians that the Opposition would continue to support what was right, challenge what was wrong and oppose provisions that undermined their rights, freedoms or democratic interests.
“We are not participating in the Special Select Committee to protect the interests of the Government. We are there to protect the interests of the people.”
