Toning down political rhetoric key to addressing rise in extremism
The meeting of the three high chiefs of Fiji, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was a positive move to address the serious concerns about the rise in
iTaukei extremism.
If it remains unchecked it could develop into more serious and dangerous events as it happened in 1987 and 2000.
Ro Teimumu and Ratu Epenisa must be commended for initiating the talks to de-escalate the tension that is building within suspended SODELPA because of the bitterness and hostility caused by the split into two factions.
They are on one side of moderates with Vijay Singh while Ratu Naiqama leads the opposing side which consists some conservative right wingers who are known for their extremist views.
These chiefs have made the right move to protect the vanua under their traditional jurisdiction from being exploited by politicians who promote divisive policies to achieve their selfish political agenda.
They saw what happened in 1987 and 2000. During those anti-Indo Fijian coups, designed to benefit
iTaukei politically and economically, the perpetrators used iTaukei mainly from Tailevu, Naitasiri, Rewa and some from the West.
The chiefs have a legitimate concern, particularly Ro Teimumu, the Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, paramount chief of Rewa and the larger Burebasaga Confederacy and Bau chief Ratu Epenisa, tipped to be the next Vunivalu, paramount chief of the Kubuna Confederacy.
They do not want a repeat of the past where their subjects were used as pawns in a political game to the detriment of the vanua.
The role of the chiefs is to guide their people to respect the rule of law, a fundamental pillar of democracy. When people take the law into their own hands, democracy is undermined.
Unfortunately in 1987 and 2000, some chiefs compromised their positions to support the political uprising. The iTaukei who jumped on the bandwagon in 2000 were those who were disillusioned because of the false promises given to them in 1987. They believed that those promises would be fulfilled in 2000.
Instead, they were worse off and suffered like everyone else from the economic crisis as a result of the coups.
Grievances can be resolved in a more peaceful and civilised way through the democratic process instead of resorting to the use of uncouth and vulgar language in bitter exchanges through social media. Such type of communication can incite people. Words can be used as a powerful tool to foster peace, unity and stability.
They can also be used to cause animosity, hatred, fear, intimidation, even violence and civil unrest. Some of words and ideas we are now seeing on social media are reminiscent of the events that eventually led to the coups and the ensuing political upheaval. We do not want a repeat of that. The three chiefs share similar sentiments.
They and their colleagues in the chiefly fraternity should encourage their subjects to tone down their political rhetoric and respect the rule of law, human decency and dignity and our diversity. People should not harbour feelings or attitude of prejudice or ill-feelings against any individual or group.
We may have differences of opinions but we have a common goal – to make Fiji a stable, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive nation where no one is left behind.