There is no need for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Fiji - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama stresses that there is no need for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Fiji because today the people of Fiji stand more united than at any other point in our history.

Bainimarama was answering a question in parliament brought up by SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka, who asked whether there is any intention on the part of the government to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to reconcile and unite the people of Fiji.

The Prime Minister says Fijians stand more united than ever before and this is owed to the unprecedented civil, political and socio-economic rights enshrined for all in our constitution.

Bainimarama says the constitution also recognizes the rights of the itaukei. 

He says it guarantees the ownership and protection of their land and their unique culture, traditions, customs and language.

The Prime Minister says the government has achieved 8 straight years of economic growth, it has achieved the lowest unemployment in 30 years, the government has made education free, it has built a network of reliable infrastructure and services throughout the country, it has formed our first national university, the government has expanded access to scholarships and affordable tertiary loans and it has done all that because it has adhered to its mandate set out by the constitution.

Bainimarama also says that he sees the great irony that the opposition is posing this question when they themselves are blind to the true history of Fiji. 

Bainimarama says the government has knocked down the divides in our society that the past governments had sought to entrench.

He stresses he will ensure that part of our history will never come back.

SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula then asked Bainimarama what is the alternative to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to ensure that Fiji stops future coups.

Bainimarama said that someone like Nawaikula would be brought to the floor if there was a 2000 investigation.

Nawaikula then told Bainimarama that and I quote "Why don’t you do it?" End quote.