FT: Prime Minister, the TLTB CEO has issued a firm reminder to tenants with long-overdue rent to honour their lease terms. In light of iTaukei land being a communal inheritance, what is your Government doing to ensure TLTB upholds its duty as a just and accountable custodian — while balancing the need for development and tenant responsibility?
PM: The TLTB, as the custodian of iTaukei land, is duty bound to protect the landowners’ inheritance and ensure lease arrangements are respected and maintained. Eviction is only exercised as a matter of last resort by TLTB. This the lessees/tenants fully understand. It is no different from any other lease arrangements we have in Fiji. The board has granted a lot of time for defaulting tenants to settle arrears and keep their homes. Any lessee that is facing difficulty meeting its rental obligation should talk to TLTB for the board to review its mechanisms continuously to strengthen accountability, including modernising systems for rent collection and dispute resolution, at the same time, supporting tenants through better financial literacy and communication.
FT: The Suva bus stand continues to be plagued by diesel fumes and idling buses despite clear signage. Prime Minister, what concrete steps will your Government take to enforce anti-pollution rules in public transport hubs to protect public health?
PM: This is clearly something the Suva City Council will need to address. Public health and environmental safety continue to be a priority for the Coalition Government. Relevant authorities, including the relevant municipal authority and the LTA have been working closely to strengthen enforcement, and information provided by your correspondent should help guide the work of enforcement in our public facilities. Bus owners through the Fiji Bus Operators Association will have to be involved as well. For the bus stand, our Suva Bus Stand By-Laws 1961 and 1969 does not require buses to turn off their engines while parked at the bus station. It allows the council to issue directives and instructions on how the buses will operate in the bus stand. The Town Clerk/CEO have the powers to direct this. Currently we have these in place. We need to revisit those directives and strengthen enforcement.
FT: Following the tragic passing of Captain Terry Gray after a violent robbery, the Savusavu community is demanding action. Prime Minister, what measures will be taken to improve safety in identified red zones and ensure justice and lasting peace for communities like Savusavu?
PM: I convey my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Captain Terry Gray and may they find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Any loss of life is tragic and for someone who is from Cakaudrove Province where Savusavu is, Captain Gray’s passing has deeply shaken the community. I believe your correspondent has summed up quite nicely what the community of Savusavu, and indeed other communities around the country needed to do in order to make our neighborhood safe and secure. Working with the Fiji police, so-called hot spots needed to be identified and community-policing programs enhanced. Perhaps the Ministry of Policing working with the Commissioner of Police may need to re-look at reviving the community policing policy and the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
FT: Prime Minister, noise pollution during religious gatherings is causing distress in residential areas. Will your Government consider regulations or community guidelines to balance religious freedom with neighbourhood peace and emergency awareness?
PM: Fiji is a nation that values religious freedom, but it must coexist with respect for neighbours and emergency awareness. While opening the Bose Vakayabaki, Wasewase o Suva two weekends ago, concerns were directly raised with me regarding “loud church noise”. I had directed my officials to discuss the matter with concerned authorities to ensure we find a balance where church services are allowed in public spaces without disturbing the peace. We want to uphold the sanctity of worship, and at the same time, ensure peace in every home.
FT: Prime Minister, near-miss accidents near pedestrian crossings are becoming common because of reckless drivers and ineffective traffic lights. What steps will your Government take to upgrade traffic infrastructure and strengthen enforcement around school zones and crossings?
PM: Your correspondent has provided some very practical suggestions on making our roads safe. I asked Land Transport Authority to give an update on their work in improving road safety and you can see that they have a lot going on this front. We are rolling out a nationwide upgrade of pedestrian crossings with standard three-light systems and clearer signage. Speed cameras will be installed in high-risk zones, and police presence near crossings will increase. A total of 12 portable speed cameras will be deployed soon by LTA to curb speeding. Unlike traditional fixed speed cameras, these advanced units offer greater flexibility, allowing enforcement teams to respond dynamically to shifting traffic patterns and emerging hotspots. The cameras, which are equipped with high-definition imaging and real-time data transmission capabilities, are intended not only as enforcement tools, but as deterrents aimed at promoting long-term changes in driver conduct. LTA and law enforcement officers would be using the devices both during scheduled patrols and unannounced operations. We are also reviewing penalties for red-light running and overtaking at crossings to ensure road safety is taken seriously.
FT: Prime Minister, the public is torn between the need for more transport options and the legality of ‘pari’ operations. Will your Government move to formally regulate ‘pari’ services to ensure public safety, fair competition, and driver accountability?
PM: The issue of ‘pari’ vehicle operation reflects a genuine need for more transport options, but it must be addressed legally and fairly. As stated by the LTA, in order for pari vehicles to operate legally, they will have to adhere to the same regulations as licensed taxi operators. Plans are in progress to facilitate this through the opening of taxi permit applications. Since the requirements for current taxi operators and any new taxi permit operators would be standard across the board, there would be no compromise in safety, both for the vehicles and the passengers. Public safety and fair competition are central. Any service that operates will have to be accountable, insured, and regulated.
FT: Prime Minister, on Girmit Day we honour past indentured labourers. As concerns grow about the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers, what assurances can you give that history is not repeating itself, and that migrant workers are protected under Fijian law?
PM: Allegations of worker exploitation are being investigated by the relevant agencies including the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Immigration to ensure all workers in Fiji are treated justly. No foreign worker should live in conditions that compromise their dignity. Following the law is one thing, but doing what is right for your workers is another. We have Fijians working overseas and we don’t want them to be ill-treated or treated unfairly. We should also do the same for foreign nationals working in Fiji. The Fiji Government remains committed to ensuring fair treatment of all foreign workers and upholding their fundamental human rights at all times. Labour contracts must be transparent, enforceable, and humane. History must never repeat itself.
FT: Prime Minister, the growing crisis of glue sniffing among children is alarming. What is your Government doing to tackle this public health emergency and protect vulnerable youth from substance abuse?
PM: This is not only a public health emergency, but it is also a social and law and order issue. A whole of government and indeed a whole of society approach is the best way to tackle glue sniffing and to protect our children and grandchildren from the ill effects of the practice. I am aware that regulations banning the sale of glue to children are being drafted, and it would be passed into law as soon as these come before Cabinet. Once this happens, the relevant authorities will have to ensure enforcement. Retail operators will need to come on board as well, and they will have to put the health and safety of our children ahead of profit. The Fiji Competition and Commerce Commission, the Consumer Council of Fiji, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for Policing will need to work together with the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection as well civil society, community bodies and faith-based organisations for the protection of our children from this troubling and dangerous practice.
FT: Do you see yourself stepping aside before the 2026 elections to allow for a new generation of leadership within PAP to emerge? What conditions or circumstances would need to be in place for you to consider such a transition?
PM: For me, it is a very simple question of “conditions or circumstances” by which I came to be where I am. I stood for elections in 1992 and 1994 and got elected and became Prime Minister under the prevailing Constitution governing those elections. I resigned from Parliament after failing to secure a majority as per the constitution of the day (1997 Constitution) and resigned to take up the position of being chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs when they elected me to be so. The 1997 Constitution did not allow for a member of Parliament or a civil servant (public office holder) to be chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs. In 2018, I stood for elections and the SODELPA party had elected me as party leader before those elections, thus I became Leader of Opposition, being the next most successful party in the elections. SODELPA then became the senior member of the Opposition and I became Leader of Opposition. I resigned in 2020 when I lost the leadership post to the Hon. Viliame Gavoka that year. I resigned from the party and from Parliament to form a new political party — the People’s Alliance — and two years later the party won 21 seats. The People’s Alliance Party secured a coalition agreement with two other parties, NFP and SODELPA to win the election votes on the floor of Parliament on December 24 2022. If I have to step down as Mataitini suggests, it would have to be through the processes which put me in the position I am currently in, i.e., votes on the floor of Parliament expressing no confidence in me and Parliament subsequently, assuming a successful no confidence vote against me, electing a successor Prime Minister. So, all Mataitini has to do is to get his supporters in Parliament to move a motion of “no confidence” in me and have a nominee as successor and I will respect the views of the MPs, as well as resign from my position as party leader of the People’s Alliance.
FT: Ro Naulu Mataitini suggests that the credibility of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hinges, in part, on your full and transparent participation, including confronting your past role in the 1987 coups. Are you prepared to testify publicly before the TRC. Do you support the idea of reviewing constitutional immunity clauses related to past coups?
PM: I agree with Mataitini and I will abide by what the commission summons me to do.
FT: Ro Naulu raises the point that a smooth transition would likely require the support of your traditional chief, the Turaga Tui Cakau. To what extent do you believe the backing of the Tui Cakau is necessary for a reformist successor to succeed politically within the party and among the Vanua?
PM: Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Cakau is my paramount chief, in that capacity, I am confident that he will want me to abide by the laws and the rulings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He, himself has previously been incarcerated and in accordance with the law, he obeyed the rulings of the court and served his sentence term.
As President of the Republic of Fiji, it will be under his commission that the TRC will be operating, therefore, there is no question of disobeying any of the orders of the Commissioner and members.
FT: Given that over 60 per cent of the population is under 35, how is PAP preparing to ensure that young people are not only represented but also meaningfully included in party leadership and decision-making?
PM: The People’s Alliance Party Constitution was approved by the party general assembly and came into force after its adoption. To include provisions for positive discrimination or special consideration of the population under 35 in the party constitution, and for that matter, women’s representation, the party constitution must be amended to include such provisions.
In parallel, provisions for national participation and representation need to be made in the national constitution which means an amendment bill has to be passed in Parliament in accordance with the amendment provisions of the 2013 Constitution — which as it stands now, seems impossible.
FT: Ratu Naulu’s resignation as senior vice-president of PAP to take his place in the apolitical GCC, while remaining a registered founding member, raises the question: Does he still speak for a constituency within PAP calling for a leadership model unburdened by the coup legacy?
PM: Neither the nation’s Constitution nor the party constitution allows for founding members to resign or be replaced and may only cease to be founding members when they die.
He does not represent a constituency in PAP, but was only nominated because of his stature as a respected member of society.
PAP cannot claim nor be blamed for any of his statements or utterances.
FT: Your supporters argue that your continued leadership offers stability for the current coalition. How do you balance that stability with the growing public appetite, particularly among youth and civil society for deeper political reform and renewal?
PM: I listen, and the party listens to the views of the members of the party. If the youth wing of PAP brings up this question within the party leadership structure, it will be seriously considered by the current party leadership.
FT: Prime Minister, given the rising tensions within the coalition, when do you expect the People’s Alliance caucus to formally meet and deliberate on SODELPA’s future in the government? Will the public be informed of this timeline?
PM: This issue has been dealt with internally and I have accepted Mr Takayawa’s public apology.
FT: If your caucus members reach a unanimous decision to remove SODELPA from the coalition, will you honour that mandate even if it risks destabilising the Government?
PM: HPM’s response: As earlier stated, this issue has been internally dealt with and I have accepted the outcomes.
FT: Sir, last week we reported you saying; “I will not unilaterally sever the coalition agreement as it was the product of a tripartite negotiations, which I as party leader of one of the coalition cannot do, without a collective decision of my party.” Did the PA caucus meet this week to discuss the matter? If so, what was the outcome of those discussions?
PM: We are meeting on May 29.
FT: Prime Minister, now that it’s public knowledge that Dr Nakarawa’s letter containing information that may have influenced the CoC’s decision on Naucukidi was not tabled, should the Minister for Justice be held accountable for withholding that information? Do you believe the Solicitor-General bears any responsibility for this omission, and if so, what action will be taken? If no disciplinary or corrective action is warranted, can you explain the basis for that decision especially given the implications on public trust?
PM: I have already answered these questions as they were put to me by your journalist in Labasa during the National Girmit Commemoration earlier this week. The investigation by the Minister for Justice on this incident has been completed and his report is now with the secretariat of the Constitutional Offices Commission, and the COC will discuss this at its next meeting.
FT: How will the new Office of National Security Assessments operate in practice, and how will it work alongside existing bodies like the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs without duplicating functions?
PM: The ONSA is being created to address co-ordination gaps and emerging security challenges. It will act as an intelligence and advisory hub, supporting not duplicating the work of the Ministry of Defence and Police. It will have no command authority over the military or police, but it will enhance situational awareness and strategic foresight.
FT: Will the National Security Advisor have any command or operational authority over the police or military, or is the position strictly advisory?
PM: The establishment of the Office of the National Security Advisor is an important step to enhance the country’s national security and defence capabilities. The Office will provide advice directly to the Prime Minister and the Government of occurrences that impact national security and integrity on a regular and ongoing basis. As earlier stated, the office shall comprise the National Security Advisor, who shall be appointed by the Prime Minister. We are seeking a candidate with integrity, national interest at heart, and deep understanding of modern security challenges.
FT: Prime Minister, have you and the President discussed the findings of the Commission of Inquiry report, and can the public expect it to be released in full?
PM: Not yet.
