A wide range of issues have been brought forward to the Constitution Commission at the public hearings on the new constitution.
Chairperson Professor Yash Ghai said their hearings went well and they were able to discuss openly with the members of the public.
Ghai highlighted that some people were concerned that the rights of the indigenous people were at risk and urged that the constitution should be based on the rights of the indigenous people as declared in the international instrument.
He said however they recognised that everybody has a right and Fiji should seek more diversity and unity.
Professor Ghai said a number of presenters focused on the 1997 constitution with amendments, the role of the military and the abolition of the Great Council of Chiefs.
Ghai said they have also had some moving submissions.
Former unionist Taniela Tabu apologized to the Indo Fijian community both here and overseas for his wrong doing in pursuit of his nationalistic goals.
While making his submission, Tabu said parliamentarians should be elected on a non-race based system.
He said parliament should be modified and modeled on the 1997 Constitution, reduced in membership and less costly to the nation.
The SDL party has also made its submission to the commission saying that the word “Fijian” should be reserved for Indigenous Fijians only.
SDL said the common name for all Fiji citizens should be “Fiji Islanders”.
SDL also proposed that immunity should not be granted unilaterally under the constitution.
They propose that the issue of immunity be taken to an Independent Forum for discussion and recommendation.
Meanwhile former PSC Chairman Sakiasi Waqanivavalagi said the President of the country should be elected by the people and he also proposed an American style of government.
The Constitution Commission will continue receiving views from the public at the Salvation Army at Grantham road today from 9am.
The deadline for the submissions is 10th October.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
