Veterans Slam Rabuka

Sudden appearance of ousted SODELPA MP had Retired Soldiers and Ex-Servicemen Association members up in arms

Ousted Social Democratic Liberal Party leader, Sitiveni Rabuka’s sudden appearance at the Retired Soldiers and Ex- Servicemen Association Club ( RSESA Club) in Walu Bay in Suva, has some former servicemen up in arms.

A number of ex-servicemen reached out to the Fiji Sun expressing their disgust and annoyance at Mr Rabuka and Sakiusa Raivoce’s presence at the club on New Year’s Eve.

The servicemen, who are now retired and had served under Mr Rabuka when he took over as Commander, believe that this is an attempt by Mr Rabuka to portray that the military, as an institution, is backing him.

Allowance issue

A group of ex-servicemen the Fiji Sun spoke to yesterday said: “When Rabuka left the military, he left a few French trucks only, and went into Government without ever doing anything again for the military. The allowance for the soldiers to the Middle East was done by (Prime Minister Voreqe) Bainimarama. Increase in pay was done by Mr Bainimarama, other allowances for sea going and divers, separation allowance for all RFMF and field allowances was all because of Mr Bainimarama.

“He (Rabuka) finally appears in camp during 2nd November, got cleared by the court, but that is why many of us will never accept him. Mr Bainimarama strengthened ethos and values in the military and one of it was family. He was the one who introduced the policy against Extra Marital Affairs.” Another ex-servicemen, who is 78-years-old, said: “All these years he has never been seen there. Bainimarama increased the after-care fund for ex-servicemen and included ex-Policemen in it. Rabuka did nothing for exservicemen during his time.

“When he left for politics he never came back or did anything that soldiers would remember. We were the forgotten lot. The French trucks were never replaced. No increase in allowances for soldiers serving in war torn countries. He did nothing. He is known to use the institution and people like the National Federation Party for his own political gains.

“His association with Ex-CAMV and hard-core nationalists in Parliament prove he is still an ethno-nationalist. Watch those hard-core nationalist and ex-CAMV people join him in his new party.”

More praise for PM Bainimarama

Another ex-serviceman said Mr Rabuka did three things: “First when he became Commander, he reduced the salaries of entire force by 20 per cent. After this came the 20 per cent devaluation. This means for me serving in South Lebanon, I received an allowance of $7.60 per day. This is his legacy. This is where he left us. Today, the daily allowance of our troops in active duty is $130.

“Second, he did nothing for soldiers who died on duty. It was after he left that RFMF for the first time in 1995 was included in workmen’s compensation. Before 1995, anyone died locally while on duty, their families were not compensated.

“Thirdly, nothing was done about the service personnel who served active service. Honourable PM Bainimarama made sure the service personnel who served in active service were included in after-care fund. Past after-care fund was only for the Malayan Campaign. “The Public Service Commission conducted an independent survey which identified that the majority of soldiers were living under the poverty line. No one, including Mr Rabuka, acted on this report. It was Honourable PM Bainimarama who made the difference.”

A fourth member shared his disgust at Mr Raivoce wearing shorts to the Club.

“Even though he was only a Major and only reached the rank of acting Lieutenant-Colonel he should know not to insult the decorum and sanctity of a place where ex-servicemen reminiscence their disciplined life of service. Raivoce’s military life in administration and no experience of command is no excuse as the saying is true that soldiers never die they just fade away.” These ex-servicemen have since moved on with their lives. They did not wish to be identified saying that they did not want their countrymen to feel they spoke out in order to seek favours from Mr Bainimarama.

The Fiji Sun emailed Mr Rabuka seeking his comments on the issues raised. No response from him came when this edition went to press. Several calls were also made him which remained unanswered.

When the Fiji Sun visited him house to seek comments, we were informed that he was not at home and his relatives did not know when he would return.