Two Separate Diwali Messages Underscore Deep Division in Party Leadership Hierarchy
The leadership split in SODELPA has reached a new level. It comes in the form of two separate Diwali message talking about what the party believes and what it stands for on religious freedom. The party message was delivered by president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and it was released by general secretary Emele Duituturaga using the party letterhead.
The other message was delivered by Opposition leader and caretaker party leader Sitiveni Rabuka in a video recording posted on his Facebook page.
The drama is a continuation of their clash on Mr Rabuka’s listening tour of the West with National Federation Party (NFP) leader Biman Prasad.
The battle is about power politics – who has the final say in deciding issues. Is it Ratu Epenisa or is it Mr Rabuka.
Previously, when his friends from the conservative right wing had the administrative control of the party, Mr Rabuka gave the party statement. Now Ratu Epenisa has exercised his executive role and gave the party message.
Mr Rabuka has used his constitutional appointment as Opposition leader to issue a statement. The question is which one is the official party statement.
It reminds us of a passage from English novelist Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
Just when things were looking good initially with the two factions coming together and Ratu Epenisa and Mr Rabuka working together, they are drifting further apart now. It appears to be a prelude of what to expect in the annual general meeting on November 28.
Here are the two different Diwali Messages:
Ratu Epenisa Cakobau
“I take this opportunity as President of the Social Democratic Liberal Party to extend our greetings on the occasion of this year’s celebration of the Diwali festival.
“Diwali has been an important event for the Hindu religion featuring in Fiji’s annual calendar since the Girmit era and celebrated as a public holiday.
“It is also a recognition and celebration of our diversity as a multicultural nation and SODELPA is committed to forge a strong, united and multicultural Fiji embracing religious tolerance.
“We join in celebrating the essence of Diwali - a festival of new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.
“With the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Fijian families and our livelihoods, this year’s Diwali festival of light provides a time of reflection to display love and affection, tolerance and understanding for each other.
“As the President of the Party, I join Party Executives, Members of Parliament, Staff and Party members to wish you all a happy and inspirational Diwali.”
Sitiveni Rabuka:
“I do not agree nor in the party associated with the comments by Lynda Tabuya. SODELPA is a multiracial party and its core value is to embrace and respect the right on the individual and freedom of religious association as enshrined in the 2013 Constitution and the party constitution. While I acknowledged the post has been removed from the Facebook I urge public figures and leaders that we always be sensitive in what we say as we are living in a multiracial and multicultural and multiethnic society.
“As Opposition leader and party leader of SODELPA I congratulate Hindus around the world and especially those at home celebrating the Diwali Festival.
“I am proud to recall that the SVT Government which I led had the vision to recognise the significance of Diwali and Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in our multiracial and multi-religious nation by legislating for these two important religious celebrations as public holidays.
“This is based on the premise that our nation is based on a multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious country and in recognition and to reinforce that our different communities that play an important role. It is a time of celebrations, fire works and happiness . “While this is a time of unprecedented period of hardship for our nation and our families the advent of Diwali is a beacon of hope – that we can triumph over our challenges, transcend our difficulties and our differences to embrace unity and hope as we move forward.
“As we celebrate Diwali it should remind us all there is still hope and goodwill despite the adversity and despair the world is facing today, particularly here in our own country. Diwali is a time when we come together as individuals and as families , communities and as a nation to celebrate this special day and reflect on the meaning of Diwali.
“We must embrace the message the message at the heart of Diwali. There is always hope that light will always overshadow darkness and good will always triumph over evil. I hold very fond memories of Diwali celebrations while studying in India studying towards my masters degree at the University of Madras.
“It is so wonderful that as a multiracial nation we celebrate Diwali in recognition of the freedom of religion and the contribution of the Girmitiyas and their descendants in the development of this nation. “While the people of Fiji practise different faiths we are united in our hopes for peace and unity.
“I urge all of us to work together and to be united to ensure everlasting peace and a progressive nation.”