‘Listen to all Fijians’

ALL members of Parliament have been urged to listen to all Fijians, instead of just the ones who voted for them.

This was the message from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while opening the 2024 Parliament session yesterday.

He urged all MPs to faithfully embrace the principles of democracy and humanity as enshrined in Fiji’s Constitution.

“In doing so we will continue to respect the integrity and dignity of our Parliament,” he said.

“We must acknowledge and recognise our differences; however, we must be united with one common goal to ensure that we live in a progressive and prosperous nation.”

Ratu Wiliame also recounted his youth in Macuata, with Indo-Fijian farming families, during sugarcane harvesting season.

He said this integrated community in Macuata had taught him many important lessons in life, which included hard work, respect for our elders, and family unity.

“The two major ethnic communities in Fiji have always lived in harmony together.

“It is, however, unfortunate that some unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among our communities for their own political ends.

“This has led to the perception of communal differences within our society. Honourable Members of Parliament, I humbly plead to you all to continue to promote harmony and embrace diversity in our nation.”

He also reminded all members of Parliament to engage in respectful debate as this had an impact on inter-ethnic relations of our different communities.

“As leaders, we are required to leave aside our differences for the common good of our people. We must focus on our shared destiny and commonality rather than our small differences.”