Constructive criticism

I’M not one to criticise anyone for the sake of being critical.

However, I do believe in constructive criticism with offerings of positive solutions.

And I’m not one to become easily frustrated about things either. But recently, I’ve become extremely frustrated and saddened with the state of affairs in Fiji.

I’m frustrated with the current Government’s stubborn, hard-headed approach to the cries of ordinary Fijians.

There’s an arrogance and belligerence in their interactions with the community. And especially with members of the opposition. What they fail to see or understand is – members of the opposition also represent a significant proportion of the population.

These men and women are in politics because they want to do something positive for the people of Fiji. Sometimes, and especially during a major crisis, it pays to listen and heed sound advice – even if it’s coming from across the bench. Taking guidance from other members of parliament doesn’t make you look weak. It takes courage and humility to heed advice from people who you may differ with on certain issues.

I’m usually a very positive person and I’m always looking for the good in people and situations. And I’m a firm believer in second chances. But what I’ve been observing recently is a steady decline in the way FFP is governing Fiji. Why should someone like me care about Fiji when I’m living faraway in Australia? Because I care about the land of my birth for many reasons. Like many of you, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly in Fijian politics. While Fiji has had some very good leaders, certain politicians I believe, have brought shame and embarrassment to the high office they hold. We’ve had to endure their non-sensical garbage tinged with such arrogance, it’s extremely sickening.

In the past we’ve had to live through the badgering and bickering of race-based politics. We’ve had to listen to people with such a deep hatred for those of other ethnic communities. And the people who were hurt have never been able to voice their hurts or share their pain and suffering. Because they know if they did, there’s bound to be retribution. That’s not how a robust democracy works.

A robust democracy allows everyone to be heard. And especially during a crisis, it should be all hands on deck.

There’s a groundswell of deep antagonism growing against the injustices people see happening around them.

While the PM’s heart might be in the right place, of late though, I’m not so sure. And that’s a troubling thought.

COLIN DEOKI

Australia