Prejudice obscures ground realities

Fijians seek a way out of the tumultuous past

“It is better to have a military regime that ensures administrative discipline, social harmony and communal peace than a democratic government that is corrupt, conceited and divisive.”

“Fiji is at the crossroads of chaos and orderliness. We want the later and if it can be achieved through a military regime, so be it.”

“I want a government that assures me of equal rights, equal opportunities and equal justice, thus far denied in this country and if it takes a few years to put in place such a government, it is worth the wait.”

“I don’t care who rules this country, so long as there is peace and harmony. We are tired of coups and upheavals. This century is for progress.”

Those were some of the views that I heard from people of varied vicissitudes, incomes, ethnicities, social and cultural background and political proclivities during my seven-day visit to Fiji last fortnight.

Contrary to what is reported in New Zealand, Australia and many parts of the world, people do not live in fear or apprehension in this South Pacific nation. They go about their business as if there is a democratically elected government in place.

‘Democracy’ is a word and a concept that has not only been subject to misinterpretation but also misuse.

Differing concepts

The late Sir Winston Churchill was bitter when he quipped at the House of Commons on November 11, 1947, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time,” but his drift was discernable.

According to some, democracy is a system that allows people freedom of movement, freedom to do business, unrestricted transfer and remittance of funds, government de-regulation and incentives for private sector growth.

In most countries that are well-known democracies including India, such freedom is well practiced, save for regulations on foreign exchange and overseas funds transfer.

Many believe that freedom of expression, as in ‘free-press’ should be accompanied by responsibility and ability to substantiate reports with facts.

On such a score, our perception of democracy may match that of Australia, UK or the US but may be in variance with the practice in other countries including India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Europe.

As far as Fiji is concerned, the democratic concept under the constitutional set up prior to December 5, 2006 was not successful. Most governments that followed the exit of the British could not sustain themselves, leading to greater uncertainty.

The election of Laisenia Qarase as the leader of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) Party and as prime minister following the May 2000 coup had the blessings and support of Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama.

But much to the chagrin of the latter, Mr Qarase was accused of misusing power, government funds and breeding corruption. The worst accusations that he faced was his attempt to deny non-ethnic Fijians right to land ownership and disparity in allowing electoral franchise, both of which began to erode his popularity.

Mr Bainimarama’s action in overthrowing Mr Qarase and his government and taking over the reins of the government on December 6, 2006 had a rippling effect across either side of the Tasman, among the European Union countries and beyond.

Growing public support

Notwithstanding international criticism and expulsion from the Pacific Islands Forum and a similar action by the Commonwealth, the government remains steadfast in its plan to revamp the constitution and end race-based politics.

Mr Bainimarama unveiled on July 1 plans to introduce a new constitution by 2013.

A new charter would replace the one abolished in April, paving the way for elections promised for 2014 (see related story in this section).

While the initial period following the December 2006 coup and the resultant interim government faced opposition from some sections of the population (including Indo-Fijians), there has been growing support for Mr Bainimarama in recent months.

Businesses, farmers, retailers and ordinary people believe that he is the only leader who can save Fiji from its economic quagmire and order prosperity.

“Although the type of government (democratically elected or otherwise) does not really matter to us, Mr Bainimarama’s efforts to remove corruption from the echelons of administration have been successful.

“The man needs more time to cleanse the officialdom of graft and we are willing to wait. The country will certainly face another coup if Mr Qarase returns,” they said.

Senior citizens say that the West should accept realities, if a majority of the people had decided to support the current regime.

Ground realities

The extensive tour of the country over a seven-day period accorded me an opportunity to observe the ground realities.  

Contrary to what has been portrayed in the global media, armed forces do not patrol the streets, there are no gun-wielding police officers and visitors to government offices are not frisked. In fact, people appeared to be more relaxed than ever before.

Says a top retailer in Suva: “A major difference is that people employed in government offices have become prompt and efficient.”

Fijians in general see New Zealand as a ‘big brother in neighbourhood’ and would like its leadership and people to understand the circumstances that confront their country and extend their support and assistance.

Their view needs careful consideration and we hope that the government of John Key and the Labour Party led by Phil Goff will look at Fiji from a fresh perspective and review their strategy.

One thing was clear during my visit: A majority of Fijians are determined to ensure that racism, divisive politics, corruption and other socio-economic diseases are wiped out before any democratic elections are held.

“Otherwise, we will be wiped out as a nation,” they said.