Parliament Sitting

Jan Nissar, Carlton, NSW, Australia

As someone who is extremely interested in politics, the people and economy of Fiji, it will be interesting to see the makeup of the new Parliament, which starts its first sitting today.

I am so interested that I actually sat in the visitor’s gallery on two separate occasions on my regular visits to Fiji while Parliament was in session in the past four years.

What I expect to see is one side of the House which is very diverse and multicultural while the other side is totally not.

One side of Parliament which represents the interests of all the peoples of Fiji while the other side represents the interests of only one group.

One side which is for economic growth, prosperity and looks to the future while the other side is all for turning the clock back.

One side which has leaders who are progressive thinkers, visionary, technologically savvy, while the other side have recycled, failed leaders who have nothing to offer.

One side which will work hard, use innovation and new ideas while the other side will rely on the grace of God, prayers and fasting.

One side where the land of the iTaukei is very safe and enshrined in the Constitution, while the other side whips up unnecessary and fake emotions to win votes.

One side which is truly united with a charismatic leader while the other side struggles with who their actual leader is. One side which represents all the people of Fiji while the other side is fixated on provincialism, backwardness and an “us and them” attitude.

One side which is for equality for all while the other side is for positive discrimination and racism.

One side which is relying on their achievements while the other side is relying on past glory.

In fact, if I were the Leader of the Opposition in the current Parliament, in the year 2018 and in this day and age, I would be totally embarrassed about the fact that I did not represent ALL the peoples of Fiji.

I would be realistic and resign immediately and not justify it as His will.

It is time for the people of Fiji to clear their heads and reflect on how they voted.