Dr Waqainabete: Those Calling Me Traitor are Traitors Themselves

New FijiFirst MP tells trolls: For the past 20 years I have been looking after the iTaukei people from all over Fiji

Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete has sent a strong message to online trolls who called him a ‘traitor’ together with the other iTaukei members of the multiracial FijiFirst Government.

The 45-year-old from Keteira Village in Moala, Lau, said those who called him so were traitors themselves.

“If someone calls me a traitor in my opinion he is a traitor because a true iTaukei is someone who is loving, embracing, kind, hospitable and helpful,” one of the leading surgeons in Fiji said. “There are people who have said on Facebook that we are traitors. I want to make it clear that we are not traitors to the iTaukei people.

“I want to make it clear that I am not a traitor. For the past 20 years I have been looking after the iTaukei people from all over Fiji.”

That being said, he would continue to serve all people in the role ahead. Dr Waqainabete believes in equality and hopes that everyone will treat everyone else with respect.

“Our work as surgeons is very intense, work very long hours and I have to bring my A-game every day,” he said.

“One thing about medical and surgery is that you need to pay attention to detail and that is how you will be able to see whether the people you look after would be able to get better. It is the small matters that count.

“I believe in the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s vision for Fiji. “I know I have to sacrifice my work for the bigger cause, but if it has to be done it will be done, but obviously at this stage it is about the nation.

“I know for sure that there are a few doctors who would be able to step up and do the work I am doing at the moment.

“I see what Prime Minister wants to do and I can see where he wants to go and he is trying to build a modern nation.

“I can see that he wants to take us beyond where we are now and that is why I put my hand up and will be part of the process.

“I believe in equality. We need to protect everyone that lives in this land. As a doctor we don’t get to choose who comes through the front door.

“I feel that it is important that I make a stand and say I stand for equality; I stand for a country that embraces all citizens irrespective of who they are.”

Our work as surgeons is very intense, work very long hours and I have to bring my A-game every day. One thing about medical and surgery is that you need to pay attention to detail and that is how you will be able to see whether the people you look after would be able to get better. It is the small matters that count. I believe in Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s vision for Fiji. Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete FijiFirst Member of Parliament