PRESIDENT Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says Fiji’s constitutional future must strike a careful balance between stability, democratic change and the protection of every community.
He warned that protecting the Constitution must not mean refusing to reform it when the needs and aspirations of the people change.
“Stability in constitutional government is important, and constitutional change should not be driven by temporary political advantage by interests of any individual government, political party, or generation,” he said.
“At the same time, constitutional stability must not be confused with constitutional immobility.”
Ratu Naiqama said reform should preserve provisions that continued to serve Fiji while strengthening areas that could be improved.
“Good constitutional reform preserves what continues to serve the nation well, strengthens what can be improved, and addresses provisions that experience has shown may no longer adequately serve the democratic aspirations of the people.”
He also stressed that constitutional reform must strengthen national unity without erasing Fiji’s diversity.
“Unity does not require uniformity.
“We do not have to surrender our identity, culture, and faith, history, or tradition in order to belong equally to Fiji.”
Ratu Naiqama said indigenous rights must coexist with the rights of all other communities.
“Recognition of history must not drive us apart. Protection of indigenous rights must coexist with the protection of the rights of every other community.
“Our constitution should provide a home large enough for all our people.”
He said Fiji’s ultimate goal must be a constitution that protects rights, promotes accountability and strengthens democratic government.
“Our diversity is our strength and our unity must remain our common purpose.”
