The tactic of racial innuendos applied by caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase recently, is now the subject of counter attacks by the politicians and Fiji Army Commander Frank. The amateur Public Relations team for S.D.L, are grossly under estimating the negative effects of the coup-threat fatigue, by the voters. The voters of Fiji have grown weary of such rhetoric, that it may back fire on the S.D.L party, who have resorted to gutter politics. Dr. Tupeni Baba is also fanning the flames of ethnic divisions. It is a wonder that the Fiji Police commissioner remains silent of the comments that basically incite racial bigotry among the ignorant populace.
Fiji Sun Editorial Monday 01st May, 2006
History shapes the future Candidates contesting the General Election have one thing in common to be in power. To achieve that, certain political parties have focused their campaign on issues that will lead to a prosperous Fiji. These parties have come up with ways of achieving that by wooing foreign investors to invest here, providing employment, free education, better health services, higher wages, good roads, solving the land issue and the list goes on and on. Other political parties do not share that view and the focus of gaining victory is through racial issues. They champion the rights of the indigenous Fijians and fight for the amendment of the 1997 Constitution to secure the land and resources that belong to the indigenous Fijians.
As the general election comes up, every political party has begun to throw in their trump cards as they try to win more supporters. In a controversial statement caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase pointed out that a repeat of the May 19, 2000 political upheaval looms if an Indo- Fijian becomes the country's next PM.
Quickly, Army Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has rebuked the statement, indicating that it could instill fear on the people as they go to vote from next week. Although, we appreciate the great work done by Commodore Bainimarama and the army in resurrecting the country from 2000 political crisis, we've got to be realistic about Mr Qarase's statement.
Are the indigenous people of this country ready to accept an Indo-Fijian to become the next Prime Minister? The nation saw what happened in 1987 when Sitiveni Rabuka, who was third-highest ranking officer at that time, forcibly took over from his military superiors to execute an illegal takeover against the Indian dominated government led by Dr Timoci Bavadra. In 2000, it was the nationalist movement who managed to convince the elite Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit from the military institution to oust the Mahendra Chaudhry-led government.
What Mr Qarase said should not be viewed negatively altogether but instead be appreciated because it is positive contribution towards national stability.That country's stability is only possible if an indigenous Fijian becomes the next Prime Minister and that is a fact. Mr Qarase is simply giving no guarantee that the events of 2000 could be repeated if the country's leadership falls into the hands of a foreigner. In fact, he is issuing a warning that should be taken heed of. It has been proven historically and there is no sin in making such a stand.
Fiji Sun's editorial echoes the doubts, which may infact be a storm in a tea-cup. The issue of the P.M's race has been conveniently clouded the judgments of voters. If Fiji is ever to advance as a mature nation, then race must not be a factor. Sadly the moral erosion in these so called Christians, is becoming a sick joke to the whole nation.
Where the rubber meets the road, the rules of the 1997 constitution is the final datum. Not flimsy circular logic, which echo the unsubstantiated claims by the S.D.L party. The only realistic perspective, is the events of 1987 and 2000 are unlawful. To those who justify the cycle of coups as events promoting indigenous rights, are guilty of mis-information. For the Fiji Sun to paint P.M's comments as realistic and positively contributing towards the stability of the nation, is equivalent of portraying George Speight as Fiji's savior. Equivalent of twisting the rule of law to the agendas of the nameless Elite minority. Equivalent of revoking the Supreme law of the land and reinstating the Law of the Club. There are no gray areas.
Fiji Sun's editorial also infers that the abilities of Fiji Army and Fiji Police are not capable of confronting any demonstrations or calamaities reminiscent of post-2000 coup violence in Fiji.
There is no sin of making a stand. It is an unpardonable sin to insinuate violence, to peddle threats based on the racial quotient of the Prime Ministership of Fiji. The mandate of the Fiji voters will not be squandered against the aspirations of the select few.
These same dark forces have considered amending Fiji's constitution, they are the same elements of danger that support S.D.L Leader's vitriolic remarks. The results of the 2006 elections (provided if free and fair) will undoubtedly be the repeat of S.V.T's 1999 demise. Indicating that the electorate of Fiji, will not tolerate racial politics and the threats of ethno-nationalism. Obviously the bread and butter issues will be a threat to the political intentions, for those with agendas during the 2006 Election campaign.
Club Em Designs
So Mahen is a "foreigner" according to the Sun?
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