BEWARE EXTREMIST ELEMENTS

In this environment, reckless comments can incite feelings and cause problems that we will live to regret. The events of 1987 and 2000 should be a lesson to all. We do not want to go back to those dark days.

Who could take us backwards – Nemani Delaibatiki

The red flags of extremism are fluttering again in the distance. If we are not careful and recognise its potential threat and danger to our peace, stability, unity and progress, and deal with it early we could face another political upheaval.

Two of the country’s high chiefs, Ro Teimumu Kepa and Ratu Epenisa Cakobau had expressed this concern when they recently met their counterpart Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The concern is real. That is why Ratu Epenisa has been touring the West using his traditional links and influence to preach peace, tolerance and national unity. Unfortunately in Viseisei, Vuda, he was not allowed to hold a meeting there because of the influence of the extremist elements in the conservative right wing of SODELPA. They have conveniently used a letter from the Registrar of Political Parties Mohammed Saneem to stop the meeting. Mr Saneem had said that all acting positions in the party lapsed on June 30. The extremist elements who back the Ratu Naiqama-led conservative group contended that Ratu Epenisa had no authority to call a meeting. It was basically a snub on a leader of the moderates.

From a traditional perspective, it is unFijian and uniTaukei to refuse a visitor to the village for political reasons. The true iTaukei culture is accommodating and welcoming irrespective of your political affiliation or status. Even the vulagis (visitors or strangers) are welcomed in villages.

It is sad that politics has taken precedence over a cultural practice that defines who we are. To refuse a high Chief entry to a village is as bad as it gets.

But this is how low the extremists have descended to achieve their political ambitions.

Some of the talks we are hearing regarding culturally sensitive issues have been slanted to advance a political ideology that can cause serious discord and division and create fear, mistrust, instability and in the extreme case, civil unrest.

Ratu Epenisa has been talking against these tendencies and the need for restraint. At a time when many people are unemployed because of the economic impact of COVID-19 and struggling to make ends meet, it is tempting to politicise the crisis for cheap political gains. In this environment, reckless comments can incite feelings and cause problems that we will live to regret. The events of 1987 and 2000 should be a lesson to all. We do not want to go back to those dark days.

Ratu Epenisa’s West trip is timely and comes at a time of great challenges for SODELPA.

The Saneem letter is causing more drama in the party

The party’s general secretary Emele Duituturaga has issued a statement in response to Mr Saneem’s letter that acting positions had lapsed on June 30.

The statement says: “The Social Democratic Liberal Party (‘SODELPA’), General Secretary, Emele Duituturaga clears the air on the position of the Party Executives. “The SODELPA constitution deemed the Party Leader position vacant after the outcome of the 2018 election. The Management Board in its earlier and recent decisions agreed that the incumbent holder continue to retain the Party Leader position until an appointment is made by the Management Board to take the Party to the 2022 elections.

“The Party is merely following due constitutional process in advertising the position of Party Leader.”

Ms Duituturaga says that the Party had in fact already commenced advertising the Party Leader position in April and May this year. “The advertisement for the Party Leader position will be re-advertised on 11th July, 2020 and closes on 12th August, 2020.

“The Management Board also extended the appointment of Mr. Vijay Singh as Vice President and Acting President of the Party. In similar fashion, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Ratu Jone Lesuma were appointed Acting Vice Presidents. All these casual vacancy positions are determined at the Special General or Annual Meeting of the General Assembly.”

Ms Duituturaga says: “The Management Board as the Party’s governing authority makes decisions for the Party. All members and supporters are encouraged to continue with their support for SODELPA.”

TOMORROW: All eyes on party leader role