Former minister aims to create racial balance
NEWLY-appointed Social Democratic Liberal Party vice president George Shiu Raj says he will focus on strengthening ties between the indigenous and other communities in Fiji.
The Rakiraki business mogul said he was a firm believer in multiculturalism and it was an ethos he practised in his personal, business and community dealings.
“Multiculturalism always comes from the heart,” Mr Raj said after he was elected to a two-year term as SODELPA VP on Saturday at a special general meeting in Lami.
He said he would also work towards creating racial balance within the party during his term.
“The most important thing we need to do is to fill the gap between the two major races in this country. From 1970 until today the gap is too big.”
Mr Raj said he practised multiculturalism within his own business and had personally witnessed how it had helped him develop strong and resilient ties within the Rakiraki community.
“You can talk a lot about multiculturalism, but if you’re not practical about it, it does not work.”
Mr Raj served as Minister for MultiEthnic Affairs in the Laisenia Qarase led government from 2001 to September 30, 2004 when he resigned amid accusations of misuse of funds.
After he was acquitted of charges on September 8, 2005, Mr Qarase announced his decision to reappoint Mr Raj to Cabinet and he was sworn in by then Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi on September 13, 2005.
Mr Raj successfully contested in the May 2006 polls and was appointed Minister for Women, Social Welfare, and Poverty Alleviation by Mr Qarase.