Fijileaks Nostradamus 2023: (1) He (Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum) might be needing further medical treatment in Australia or Singapore);*In October 2016, he sent GRAHAM DAVIS, of Qorvis fame, to the Government House to ask the former President Jioji Konrote to explain why our Founding Editor-in-Chief had been invited as a personal guest of the then President at a special farewell reception and dinner in London.Fijileaks: Last night, we wrote to the leaders of the three Coalition parties (Rabuka, Gavoka, and Prasad) calling on the TRIO to get off their wobbly three-legged stool and examine Section 14 of the Political Parties Act regarding Bainimarama's nomination of Khaiyum to the COC. We welcome Tanya Waqanika's resignation from the COC. Read her reason:CAUGHT IN HIS OWN LEGAL WEB: The Walter Mitty lawyer must have known that he didn't qualify to sit on the COC but conned Bainimarama to nominate him. He has lost his marbles or was trying to pull one more wool over us. In fact, most lawyers seem to have lost their legal marbles since 2022 election. Even Suva lawyer Jon Apted, Rabuka's nominee on the COC, seems to have failed to bring the matter to Khaiyum's attention. |
Equally, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's nominee and lawyer TANYA WAQANIKA must STEP DOWN from the COC if she has NOT resigned as a political member of SODELPA that is a partner in the Coalition government. |
EXEMPTION: Under his Political Parties Act (3), a 'public officer' does not include the President, the Prime Minister, a Minister, the Leader of the Opposition or a Member of Parliament.
The Political Parties Act:
A Public Office Holder cannot be a MEMBER of a Political Party
"I deliberately nominated Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's name for the commission as he and and I are needed in the commission to ensure the 2013 Constitution is followed. |
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/7/5/13759434/8519514_orig.png)
NAIDU RESIGNS: In 2015, Suva lawyer and Opposition nominee for the Constitutional Offices Commission, Richard Naidu had resigned from the commission. Naidu said his concerns about how the Commission operates had been growing. He said the way in which the acting Commissioner of Police had been appointed persuades him that there is little point in remaining a Commission member.
KEEPING FAITH: We have been reminding Fiji since December 2006
From Fijileaks Archive, 21 November 2013
There were revelations today that former Head of RFMF Intelligence, Lieutenant Colonel Jone Kalouniwai and former Land Force Commander, Pita Driti had a meeting with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama about the Attorney General in 2010. Prosecution witness and current 3FIR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Kalouniwai told the High Court in the Pita Driti trial today that he and Driti met Commodore Bainimarama at his residence in September 2010. Kalouniwai said they briefed Commodore Bainimarama concerning reports on the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and his alleged dealings. He said Commodore Bainimarama told them that they need to come back with documents to prove the allegations against the Attorney General. When questioned by defence lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo, Kalouniwai revealed that they did not have any documents and did not have any intelligence on the Attorney General’s alleged dealings. Kalouniwai said that the Prime Minister made it clear to them that he will not do anything unless he gets the information relating to the allegations. He also said that Driti had told him to conduct the investigation about the Attorney General. Kalouniwai then instructed his team to gather information about Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. He said the meeting ended abruptly with Commodore Bainimarama as they only had information from various blog sites. |
While testifying in court today Driti also confirmed that they had met with Commodore Bainimarama in September 2010.
Driti said he briefed Commodore Bainimarama and asked for the removal of the Attorney General due to the alleged dealings.
He said Commodore Bainimarama told Driti and Kalouniwai and I quote “No, walk out” end of quote.
Driti said he was called back to Commodore Bainimarama’s residence on the following day.
Commodore Bainimarama, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, Force Chaplain Major Tikinatabua and Ratu Tevita Mara were present in the meeting.
Bainimarama told Driti that he had received some information on the plan to overthrow him and the President when Bainimarama takes the trip to Sudan.
Commodore Bainimarama then told Driti to speak to Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz and take his overdue leave and remain at the quarters.
Bainimarama asked Driti to resign as Land Force Commander and as a commissioned officer after his leave comes to an end.Source: Fijivillage
Driti said he briefed Commodore Bainimarama and asked for the removal of the Attorney General due to the alleged dealings.
He said Commodore Bainimarama told Driti and Kalouniwai and I quote “No, walk out” end of quote.
Driti said he was called back to Commodore Bainimarama’s residence on the following day.
Commodore Bainimarama, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, Force Chaplain Major Tikinatabua and Ratu Tevita Mara were present in the meeting.
Bainimarama told Driti that he had received some information on the plan to overthrow him and the President when Bainimarama takes the trip to Sudan.
Commodore Bainimarama then told Driti to speak to Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz and take his overdue leave and remain at the quarters.
Bainimarama asked Driti to resign as Land Force Commander and as a commissioned officer after his leave comes to an end.Source: Fijivillage
The former failed SODELPA candidate who was among the 13 Management Board Members to vote for a coalition with PAP, is now Rabuka's nominee, along with Jon Apted of Munro Leys, on the COC.
Khaiyum is Opposition leader Bainimarama's nominee on the COC
"I deliberately nominated Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's name for the commission as he and and I are needed in the commission to ensure the 2013 Constitution is followed. I will be leading the charge for the FijiFirst from inside parliament while Khaiyum will be doing FijiFirst work from outside parliament." - Frank Bainimarama
MP: A-G ordered FTV to share television rights
"Ms Waqanika needed counselling sessions because “she cannot let go of what happened I think 10 years ago”. Khaiyum, 29 March 2022
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum ordered Fiji Television Ltd (FTV) board members and executives to agree to share their television rights to the World Rugby Sevens Series with the Government-owned Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Opposition MP Tanya Waqanika told Parliament.
Ms Waqanika, a former senior manager at Fiji TV, made the allegation on Friday during debate on the Revised 2021-22 National Budget after Mr Sayed-Khaiyum accused her of lying about the government’s stance on the University of the South Pacific.
Ms Waqanika accused Mr Sayed-Khaiyum of being “a liar” saying that if he wanted to speak about integrity, “make sure your own house is clean”. Ms Waqanika told Parliament she was present as a Fiji TV manager in November 2014 at a meeting at Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s office where the broadcasting of the World Rugby Sevens Series was discussed.
“I would refresh his memory, (when) in my presence and the two other former Fijian Holdings board members, the former Solicitor-General and the other two Fiji TV executives,” she said. She told Parliament Mr Sayed-Khaiyum “told us that we are to sign this press release and you (Fiji TV) will agree to share IRB 7s to FBC”.
“So if anyone here is a liar, he is a liar,” she said.
“What did I lie about in that context?” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum replied. “Where is the lie? There is no lie.”
Ms Waqanika said the group did not sign the news release, nor did they compromise their integrity.
“When we talk about governance, when we talk about lies, we make sure that our own back yards are clean. It is shocking that in a public listed company, that a minister could interfere at that level because in any true democratic country, he would have been fired back in 2014. Please do not use loosely the words ‘good governance’.”
In reply, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Ms Waqanika needed counselling sessions because “she cannot let go of what happened I think 10 years ago”.
“The cross-carriage licence (a legal arrangement under a 2014 law) was put in place subsequently,” he said. “…to allow ordinary Fijians to watch programs that were of importance to them, because we had licences or sponsorship given by one TV company, other people watching other TVs or they did not have the right aerial, could not watch that.”
Raising a point of order, Ms Waqanika said she had not talked about cross-carriage issues in her speech but had referred to governance. In response, Mr Sayed Khaiyum said the issue was about cross-carriage and referred to the Walesi digital information platform. “Walesi allows even a small TV station like MaiTV to be available to every Fijian, no matter where they are,” he said. Source: The Fiji Times, 30 March 2022
Ms Waqanika, a former senior manager at Fiji TV, made the allegation on Friday during debate on the Revised 2021-22 National Budget after Mr Sayed-Khaiyum accused her of lying about the government’s stance on the University of the South Pacific.
Ms Waqanika accused Mr Sayed-Khaiyum of being “a liar” saying that if he wanted to speak about integrity, “make sure your own house is clean”. Ms Waqanika told Parliament she was present as a Fiji TV manager in November 2014 at a meeting at Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s office where the broadcasting of the World Rugby Sevens Series was discussed.
“I would refresh his memory, (when) in my presence and the two other former Fijian Holdings board members, the former Solicitor-General and the other two Fiji TV executives,” she said. She told Parliament Mr Sayed-Khaiyum “told us that we are to sign this press release and you (Fiji TV) will agree to share IRB 7s to FBC”.
“So if anyone here is a liar, he is a liar,” she said.
“What did I lie about in that context?” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum replied. “Where is the lie? There is no lie.”
Ms Waqanika said the group did not sign the news release, nor did they compromise their integrity.
“When we talk about governance, when we talk about lies, we make sure that our own back yards are clean. It is shocking that in a public listed company, that a minister could interfere at that level because in any true democratic country, he would have been fired back in 2014. Please do not use loosely the words ‘good governance’.”
In reply, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Ms Waqanika needed counselling sessions because “she cannot let go of what happened I think 10 years ago”.
“The cross-carriage licence (a legal arrangement under a 2014 law) was put in place subsequently,” he said. “…to allow ordinary Fijians to watch programs that were of importance to them, because we had licences or sponsorship given by one TV company, other people watching other TVs or they did not have the right aerial, could not watch that.”
Raising a point of order, Ms Waqanika said she had not talked about cross-carriage issues in her speech but had referred to governance. In response, Mr Sayed Khaiyum said the issue was about cross-carriage and referred to the Walesi digital information platform. “Walesi allows even a small TV station like MaiTV to be available to every Fijian, no matter where they are,” he said. Source: The Fiji Times, 30 March 2022
From Fijileaks Archives, 2014 and 2015, The Khaiyum-Waqanika SPATS
Fijileaks: Click on the links below for full details. We are protecting our source who had leaked majority of the documents, e-mails, WhatsApp messages between Aiyaz Khaiyum and other Apparatchiks
Public Service Commission Chair Vishnu Mohan has resigned. This has been confirmed to FBC News by Attorney General Siromi Turaga this afternoon. Mohan who is based in Canada, tendered his resignation last week. When asked about the reason behind his resignation, the Attorney General stated that Mohan has been based abroad and could not facilitate meetings with the new Government upon the request of the Prime Minister. Turaga says Mohan has voluntarily resigned to make way for someone who is based in Fiji. A replacement for Mohan is yet to be decided. Source: FBC News
RACE FACTOR: After the 1987 coups, RABUKA dismissed most Indo-Fijian civil servants, threw others in jail, and legislated in the racist and autocratic 1990 Constitution that only i-Taukeis must hold top Permanent Secretary jobs in his new JERUSALEM (Fiji). The NFP, enjoying the trappings of power and perks in Rabuka's Coalition government, has SOLD INDO-FIJIANS to Rabuka's PAP and SODELPA
PAP/RABUKA CHEERLEADER SHAILENDRA RAJU FLIES INTO FIJI
*And the decisions made so far must all be RESCINDED
Under S92(3c), the Constitution of Fiji requires that all Ministerial Assignments, including that of the Prime Minister, are GAZETTED so that the Ministers are legally mandated to carry out their ministerial duties, and to prevent an IMPOSTOR from claiming that he is Rabuka's 'Jinnah', Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister |
If PIO TIKODUADUA'S appointment has NOT been gazetted as required under Section 92(3) he has NO LEGAL POWER to demand for Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho to RESIGN. Its like an unlicensed gunman running around with gun threatening and ordering all to follow his orders
*Coupist Bainimarama (136,829) defeated Coupist Rabuka (77,748) by 59,081 VOTES, trouncing him in the Central, Western, and Northern Divisions (especially the Northern Division which is Rabuka's homeland). Rabuka narrowly won the Eastern Division by 922 Votes, despite accusing the late President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of being behind his 1987 COUPS.
*Clearly, Rabuka has NO mandate from i-Taukei voters to bring back the Great Council of Chiefs, especially in the Western, Central and Northern Divisions. In the Western Division, Bainimarama polled 61,317 votes to Rabuka's 21,953 votes. In the Central Division, Bainimarama received 54,071 votes compared to Rabuka's 40,360 votes. In Rabuka's Northern homeland, Bainimarama received 16,982 votes compared to Rabuka's 10,521 votes.
*In 1987, Dr Tupeni Baba, one of those deposed with Bavadra by Rabuka in the COUP, had claimed that when Rabuka's ten hooded gunmen had removed their masks, Baba was shocked to learn that they were all from the Northern Division, most from Baba and Rabuka's villages.
**TODAY, it is the Northerners who are in control of political power and the money bag in Fiji.
*The Central Division consists of five provinces - Naitasiri, Namosi, Rewa, Serua and Tailevu.Suva is the capital of the division, which is also the capital of Fiji. The division includes the eastern part of the largest island in Fiji, Viti Levu, with a few outlying islands, including Beqa.
*The Central Division includes most of the Kubuna Confederacy and part of the Burebasaga Confederacy, two of the three hierarchies to which Fiji's chiefs all belong.
*The Eastern Division consists of Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Provinces and Rotuma. The capital of the division is Levuka, on the Ovalau island. Other islands in the division include Kadavu, Gau, Koro, Nairai, Moala, Matuku, Vatu Vara, Naitaba, Mago, Cicia, Tuvuca, Lakeba, Vanua Vatu, Oneata, Vuaqava, Kabara, Moce, and Fulaga.
*The Western Division consists of three provinces in western/northern Viti Levu, namely Ba, Nadroga-Navosa and Ra. The largest city is Lautoka. It also includes a few outlying islands, including the Yasawa Islands, Viwa Island, and Mamanuca Islands.
*The Northern Division covers three Provinces: Macuata, Cakaudrove, and Bua, and includes the entire island of Vanua Levu, with Labasa as the administrative capital. Excluding the Lau Islands, which form part of the Eastern Division, the Northern Division is coextensive with the Tovata Confederacy.
Notable Fijian leaders from the Northern Division include Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the first President of Fiji (1987-1993), Coupist and current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the current President of Fiji
*The Central Division includes most of the Kubuna Confederacy and part of the Burebasaga Confederacy, two of the three hierarchies to which Fiji's chiefs all belong.
*The Eastern Division consists of Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Provinces and Rotuma. The capital of the division is Levuka, on the Ovalau island. Other islands in the division include Kadavu, Gau, Koro, Nairai, Moala, Matuku, Vatu Vara, Naitaba, Mago, Cicia, Tuvuca, Lakeba, Vanua Vatu, Oneata, Vuaqava, Kabara, Moce, and Fulaga.
*The Western Division consists of three provinces in western/northern Viti Levu, namely Ba, Nadroga-Navosa and Ra. The largest city is Lautoka. It also includes a few outlying islands, including the Yasawa Islands, Viwa Island, and Mamanuca Islands.
*The Northern Division covers three Provinces: Macuata, Cakaudrove, and Bua, and includes the entire island of Vanua Levu, with Labasa as the administrative capital. Excluding the Lau Islands, which form part of the Eastern Division, the Northern Division is coextensive with the Tovata Confederacy.
Notable Fijian leaders from the Northern Division include Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the first President of Fiji (1987-1993), Coupist and current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the current President of Fiji
Ratu Epenisa’ Cakobau's s elder brother Ratu Joji Kadavulevu Cakobau had written to the Native Land Commission to dispute the chiefly title.
*Afterwards, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau had lodged a complaint against the Police and the Military for going to Bau and taking him and others for questioning on June 8th.
* Ratu Epenisa had filed the complaint at Nausori Police Station. He complained that the Police and RFMF violated customary laws and abused their power under the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous People.
*He had claimed that Police and the Military abused their powers by arresting him, his herald Ratu Jack Komaitai and a representative of the Gonesau clan, Dr Ratu Joji Malani.
*Police took action after they received reports that Ratu Epenisa would be installed as the Vunivalu on June 8th although the Native Lands Commission had declared on June 7th that the protocol was breached in the selection of Ratu Epenisa as the Vunivalu.
* NLC Commissioner Ratu Vananalagi Vesikula confirmed on the afternoon of June 7th that he had instructed the Police Commissioner to stop Ratu Epenisa Cakobau’s installation on the next day.
*RFMF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Jone Kalouniwai said the Military assisted the Police as stated in the constitution.
*The constitution states that it shall be the overall responsibility of the RFMF to ensure at all times the security, defence, and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
*Ratu Sireli Vesikula says that Ratu Epenisa’s elder brother Ratu Joji Kadavulevu Cakobau had written to the Native Land Commission to dispute this decision.
No charges will be laid against Police or military officers involved in the arrest of Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau on Bau island on 7th June 2018.
This was confirmed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, (DPP).
In a statement he said Police were alerted to a potential breach of the peace on Bau Island last year when it was learned that the installation ceremony for a new Vunivalu of Bau was to take place despite a direction by the Itaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission for the installation not to proceed.
The Police had been requested by the Itaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission to prevent the installation from taking place. A security assessment indicated that the situation may become volatile and Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau was arrested as a precautionary measure.
A police complaint of criminal intimidation and criminal trespass was laid by Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau as a result of his arrest in June last year. Two other people also laid police complaints in relation to the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Following a review of the evidence, the DPP concluded that the arrest of Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau had been effected lawfully and there was no substance to the complaints.
The arrest was justified under section 17 A of the Public Order Act which gives authority to the police to detain without warrant someone who “has acted or is about to act in a manner prejudicial to public safety or the preservation of the peace.”
The DPP further concluded that the actions of the security forces in effecting the arrest were justified and proportionate to the perceived threat to public safety on Bau Island at the time.
Mr Pryde said: “The security forces are subject to the law governing arrests and if there was any evidence they had acted outside the law in effecting the arrest, charges would have been laid. Having reviewed the evidence, I am satisfied that the security forces acted within the law at all times.”
The files have been returned to the Police.
This was confirmed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, (DPP).
In a statement he said Police were alerted to a potential breach of the peace on Bau Island last year when it was learned that the installation ceremony for a new Vunivalu of Bau was to take place despite a direction by the Itaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission for the installation not to proceed.
The Police had been requested by the Itaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission to prevent the installation from taking place. A security assessment indicated that the situation may become volatile and Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau was arrested as a precautionary measure.
A police complaint of criminal intimidation and criminal trespass was laid by Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau as a result of his arrest in June last year. Two other people also laid police complaints in relation to the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Following a review of the evidence, the DPP concluded that the arrest of Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau had been effected lawfully and there was no substance to the complaints.
The arrest was justified under section 17 A of the Public Order Act which gives authority to the police to detain without warrant someone who “has acted or is about to act in a manner prejudicial to public safety or the preservation of the peace.”
The DPP further concluded that the actions of the security forces in effecting the arrest were justified and proportionate to the perceived threat to public safety on Bau Island at the time.
Mr Pryde said: “The security forces are subject to the law governing arrests and if there was any evidence they had acted outside the law in effecting the arrest, charges would have been laid. Having reviewed the evidence, I am satisfied that the security forces acted within the law at all times.”
The files have been returned to the Police.
2022 Coalition girmit Rabuka government: 'All Chiefs and Three Indians'
NOSTRADAMUS on 2023: Revolt and civil unrest
'Sooner and later you will see great changes made, dreadful horrors and vengeances' . 'The trumpet shakes with great discord. An agreement broken: lifting the face to heaven: the bloody mouth will swim with blood; the face anointed with milk and honey lies on the ground.'
*If Coupist Rabuka's Home Affairs Minister PIO TIKODUADUA continues on his vengeful path - withdrawing protection from former army commander Bainimarama, chasing his bodyguards back to the barracks, labelling them shoe and car polishers, pursuing Police Commissioner illegally, the first 100 Days of COALITION government will NOT end in celebratory BONFIRE but GUNFIRE.
*Tikoduadua could have quietly and politely requested the army personnel to be recalled to the barracks, instead of publicly humiliating them to appease his cheerleaders.
*We wonder if the threat to review the contract of expatriate judges (mostly Sri Lankans) was an attempt to pre-intimidate one of the JUDGES who will be sentencing NFP member and Suva lawyer RICHARD NAIDU for scandalizing the court. Naidu is to be sentenced on 6 Janaury 2023
Why is the Attorney General doing so? Doesn’t he understand the separation of powers? Doesn’t he understand that the Judicial Services Commission is an independent body?
FRANK BAINIMARAMA in his 2023 New Year Message
*Turaga has rejected claims made by Bainimarama. Speaking to FBC News, Turaga clarified that these claims are false as he only made a courtesy call to Chief Justice Kumar.
*Why is the Minister for Home Affairs asking the Commissioner of Police to tender in his resignation when clearly he has no powers to do so? And then why all of a sudden, the Constitutional Office Commission is having a meeting this Sunday afternoon? Are they trying to pre-empt the setting up of a Tribunal? Isn’t the entire process now tainted?
*Why is the Minister of Home Affairs making statements about a complaint, which he lodged when he was not a Minister against the former Attorney General? Does he understand conflict of interest? Why then all of a sudden is a border notice issued against the former Attorney General, which has his name misspelt and the date of departure is incorrect?
Frank Bainimarama, 2023 New Year Message
"Today I speak to you as leader of opposition and as the facilitator of the 2013 Constitution. I also speak to you as the former commander of the RFMF, the institution that helped facilitate the 2013 Constitution and which is overall responsible for the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians. Rabuka was elected Prime Minister of Fiji on the floor of Parliament through the support of 3 political parties since the party he heads could not form government, without the support of NFP and SODELPA. FijiFirst of course is the largest political party on the floor of Parliament.
After Rabuka’s election as Prime Minister, I stated that this was democracy at work facilitated through the 2013 Constitution, a legacy of my leadership and of course the RFMF. Since the implementation of the 2013 Constitution the FijiFirst Government adhered both in spirit and practice to every single provision of the Constitution...
Unfortunately, since the evening of 24 December, over the past 7 days, we have seen indirect and direct assault on the very essence, values and principles on which the 2013 constitution was formulated. My purpose here this afternoon is not to list all incidences that have directly or indirectly or in an insidious manner undermined the 2013 Constitution but rather to inform Rabuka and his ministers that they should immediately stop doing what they are doing.
Rabuka, we think is caught in a time warp. He thinks that this is still the 80s and 90s. He and his 29 Ministers and Assistant Ministers believe that being in government they can do anything they like, they believe they can remove or appoint anybody they like from the civil service, boards and commissions and diplomatic positions without following the Constitution or the law..."
Opposition Leader, FRANK BAINIMARAMA
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon.
Today I speak to you as leader of opposition and as the facilitator of the 2013 Constitution. I also speak to you as the former commander of the RFMF, the institution that helped facilitate the 2013 Constitution and which is overall responsible for the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
Rabuka was elected Prime Minister of Fiji on the floor of Parliament through the support of 3 political parties since the party he heads could not form government, without the support of NFP and SODELPA.
FijiFirst of course is the largest political party on the floor of Parliament.
After Rabuka’s election as Prime Minister, I stated that this was democracy at work facilitated through the 2013 Constitution, a legacy of my leadership and of course the RFMF.
Since the implementation of the 2013 Constitution the FijiFirst Government adhered both in spirit and practice to every single provision of the Constitution.
The 2013 Constitution facilitated common and equal citizenry, with every citizen to be called a Fijian; it set up independent institutions and allowed for the appointment through due and transparent processes independent heads of those institutions; it sent up transparent processes for appointment on merit of civil servants, board members, commissioners, heads of disciplined forces; it facilitated for the first time a wide range of civil, political and socio-economic rights; it guaranteed the protection of iTaukei land rights like never before and facilitated the sharing of royalty payments from mining.
The 2013 constitution in essence envisages and sets out processes that ensures, that despite the change of government, all its provisions must be adhered to, the sanctity of the independent institutions and its heads and the law must reign supreme both in spirit and practice.
Unfortunately, since the evening of 24 December, over the past 7 days, we have seen indirect and direct assault on the very essence, values and principles on which the 2013 constitution was formulated.
My purpose here this afternoon is not to list all incidences that have directly or indirectly or in an insidious manner undermined the 2013 Constitution but rather to inform Rabuka and his ministers that they should immediately stop doing what they are doing.
Rabuka, we think is caught in a time warp. He thinks that this is still the 80s and 90s. He and his 29 Ministers and Assistant Ministers believe that being in government they can do anything they like, they believe they can remove or appoint anybody they like from the civil service, boards and commissions and diplomatic positions without following the Constitution or the law.
I want bring to their attention that the year is 2023 and we have the 2013 Constitution.
We have heard reports that personnel from the Prime Minister’s Office contacted Commissioners from the Constitutional Offices Commission and from the Public Service Commission to tell them to resign because there is a new Government.
Anyone with basic acumen would know that these Commissioners stay on despite a change of government. These Commissioners weren’t informed that they had the right to stay on. And why was the Prime Minister’s office involved in this matter when the Constitutional Offices Commission and the Public Service Commission are independent bodies? Where is the Attorney General in all of this? Does he understand what is happening?
Why are we having a meeting this afternoon of the Constitutional Offices Commission to have and I quote “consideration of offices under the constitutional offices commission” when clearly these offices are not ‘under’ the COC?
We also have been reliably informed that the Attorney General visited the Honourable Chief Justice telling him to advertise various positions that fall under the Judicial Services Commission. Why is the Attorney General doing so? Doesn’t he understand the separation of powers? Doesn’t he understand that the Judicial Services Commission is an independent body?
Why is the Minister for Home Affairs asking the Commissioner of Police to tender in his resignation when clearly he has no powers to do so? And then why all of a sudden, the Constitutional Office Commission is having a meeting this Sunday afternoon? Are they trying to pre-empt the setting up of a Tribunal? Isn’t the entire process now tainted?
Why is the Minister of Home Affairs making statements about a complaint, which he lodged when he was not a Minister against the former Attorney General? Does he understand conflict of interest? Why then all of a sudden is a border notice issued against the former Attorney General, which has his name misspelt and the date of departure is incorrect?
Why are there volunteers and staff of NFP and Rabuka’s party walking around in government offices giving instructions to civil servants and monitoring the work and communications of civil servants?
We also have to ask, was His Excellency our President who appoints various Commissioners of independent bodies informed that his appointees were constructively forced to resign?
Again, ladies and gentlemen I wish to inform the uneven three legged stool government of Rabuka, that you have to follow the Constitution. You have to follow the law. You cannot do whatever you like. This is not the 80’s and the 90’s.
Please follow the Constitution and the law. Respect our civil servants, our permanent secretaries, and all those appointed to various boards, commissions and independent bodies.
I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who have served under the various independent bodies and who were unfortunately forced to resign.
I also wish to inform all permanent secretaries and other civil servants and those serving on various boards, organizations and independent bodies - you must not resign from your positions, even though the new government and their supporters will bully you, intimidate you and even threaten you. Please be strong. You have not done anything wrong. You have been appointed through a due process and because you had the skill sets, know how, knowledge and acumen to contribute to your organisations and to Fiji. Do not leave your post.
Lastly I wish to thank all our well wishers and supporters. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Thank you for your open support despite an environment of intolerance and exclusivity that has been created by this new three uneven legged stool government.
A blessed new year to all Fijians.
God Bless Fiji.
Vinaka, and I thank you."
Today I speak to you as leader of opposition and as the facilitator of the 2013 Constitution. I also speak to you as the former commander of the RFMF, the institution that helped facilitate the 2013 Constitution and which is overall responsible for the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
Rabuka was elected Prime Minister of Fiji on the floor of Parliament through the support of 3 political parties since the party he heads could not form government, without the support of NFP and SODELPA.
FijiFirst of course is the largest political party on the floor of Parliament.
After Rabuka’s election as Prime Minister, I stated that this was democracy at work facilitated through the 2013 Constitution, a legacy of my leadership and of course the RFMF.
Since the implementation of the 2013 Constitution the FijiFirst Government adhered both in spirit and practice to every single provision of the Constitution.
The 2013 Constitution facilitated common and equal citizenry, with every citizen to be called a Fijian; it set up independent institutions and allowed for the appointment through due and transparent processes independent heads of those institutions; it sent up transparent processes for appointment on merit of civil servants, board members, commissioners, heads of disciplined forces; it facilitated for the first time a wide range of civil, political and socio-economic rights; it guaranteed the protection of iTaukei land rights like never before and facilitated the sharing of royalty payments from mining.
The 2013 constitution in essence envisages and sets out processes that ensures, that despite the change of government, all its provisions must be adhered to, the sanctity of the independent institutions and its heads and the law must reign supreme both in spirit and practice.
Unfortunately, since the evening of 24 December, over the past 7 days, we have seen indirect and direct assault on the very essence, values and principles on which the 2013 constitution was formulated.
My purpose here this afternoon is not to list all incidences that have directly or indirectly or in an insidious manner undermined the 2013 Constitution but rather to inform Rabuka and his ministers that they should immediately stop doing what they are doing.
Rabuka, we think is caught in a time warp. He thinks that this is still the 80s and 90s. He and his 29 Ministers and Assistant Ministers believe that being in government they can do anything they like, they believe they can remove or appoint anybody they like from the civil service, boards and commissions and diplomatic positions without following the Constitution or the law.
I want bring to their attention that the year is 2023 and we have the 2013 Constitution.
We have heard reports that personnel from the Prime Minister’s Office contacted Commissioners from the Constitutional Offices Commission and from the Public Service Commission to tell them to resign because there is a new Government.
Anyone with basic acumen would know that these Commissioners stay on despite a change of government. These Commissioners weren’t informed that they had the right to stay on. And why was the Prime Minister’s office involved in this matter when the Constitutional Offices Commission and the Public Service Commission are independent bodies? Where is the Attorney General in all of this? Does he understand what is happening?
Why are we having a meeting this afternoon of the Constitutional Offices Commission to have and I quote “consideration of offices under the constitutional offices commission” when clearly these offices are not ‘under’ the COC?
We also have been reliably informed that the Attorney General visited the Honourable Chief Justice telling him to advertise various positions that fall under the Judicial Services Commission. Why is the Attorney General doing so? Doesn’t he understand the separation of powers? Doesn’t he understand that the Judicial Services Commission is an independent body?
Why is the Minister for Home Affairs asking the Commissioner of Police to tender in his resignation when clearly he has no powers to do so? And then why all of a sudden, the Constitutional Office Commission is having a meeting this Sunday afternoon? Are they trying to pre-empt the setting up of a Tribunal? Isn’t the entire process now tainted?
Why is the Minister of Home Affairs making statements about a complaint, which he lodged when he was not a Minister against the former Attorney General? Does he understand conflict of interest? Why then all of a sudden is a border notice issued against the former Attorney General, which has his name misspelt and the date of departure is incorrect?
Why are there volunteers and staff of NFP and Rabuka’s party walking around in government offices giving instructions to civil servants and monitoring the work and communications of civil servants?
We also have to ask, was His Excellency our President who appoints various Commissioners of independent bodies informed that his appointees were constructively forced to resign?
Again, ladies and gentlemen I wish to inform the uneven three legged stool government of Rabuka, that you have to follow the Constitution. You have to follow the law. You cannot do whatever you like. This is not the 80’s and the 90’s.
Please follow the Constitution and the law. Respect our civil servants, our permanent secretaries, and all those appointed to various boards, commissions and independent bodies.
I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who have served under the various independent bodies and who were unfortunately forced to resign.
I also wish to inform all permanent secretaries and other civil servants and those serving on various boards, organizations and independent bodies - you must not resign from your positions, even though the new government and their supporters will bully you, intimidate you and even threaten you. Please be strong. You have not done anything wrong. You have been appointed through a due process and because you had the skill sets, know how, knowledge and acumen to contribute to your organisations and to Fiji. Do not leave your post.
Lastly I wish to thank all our well wishers and supporters. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Thank you for your open support despite an environment of intolerance and exclusivity that has been created by this new three uneven legged stool government.
A blessed new year to all Fijians.
God Bless Fiji.
Vinaka, and I thank you."
CHAPTER 10—IMMUNITY
Immunity granted under the 1990 Constitution continues
155. Notwithstanding the abrogation of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997 and despite the repeal of the Constitution of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of Fiji (Promulgation) Decree 1990, Chapter XIV of the
Constitution of 1990 continues in force in accordance with its tenor, and the immunity granted in Chapter XIV of the Constitution of 1990 shall continue.
Immunity granted under the Limitation of Liability for Prescribed Political Events Decree 2010 continues
156.—(1) The immunities granted to prescribed persons for prescribed political events under the Limitation of
Liability for Prescribed Political Events Decree 2010 shall continue in existence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, the Limitation of Liability for Prescribed Political
Events Decree 2010 shall, in its entirety, continue in existence and shall not be reviewed, amended, altered, repealed or revoked by Parliament.
Further immunity
157. Absolute and unconditional immunity is irrevocably granted to any person (whether in their official or
personal or individual capacity) holding the office of, or holding the office in, as the case may be--
(a) the President;
(b) Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers;
(c) Republic of Fiji Military Forces;
(d) Fiji Police Force;
(e) Fiji Corrections Service;
(f) Judiciary;
(g) public service; and
(h) any public office,
from any criminal prosecution and from any civil or other liability in any court, tribunal or commission, in
any proceeding including any legal, military, disciplinary or professional proceedings and from any order or
judgment of any court, tribunal or commission, as a result of any direct or indirect participation, appointment
or involvement in the Government from 5 December 2006 to the date of the first sitting of the first Parliament
elected after the commencement of this Constitution; provided however any such immunity shall not apply to
any act or omission that constitutes an offence under sections 133 to 146, 148 to 236, 288 to 351, 356 to 361, 364 to 374, and 377 to 386 of the Crimes Decree 2009 (as prescribed in the Crimes Decree 2009 at the date of the commencement of this Constitution).
Immunity entrenched
158.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, this Chapter and any immunity granted or
continued in this Chapter shall not be reviewed, amended, altered, repealed or revoked.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, no court or tribunal shall have the jurisdiction to
accept, hear or make any decision or order with respect to any challenge against the provisions of this Chapter and any immunity granted or continued in this Chapter.
(3) No compensation shall be payable by the State to any person in respect of damage, injury or loss to his or
her property or person caused by or consequent upon any conduct from which immunity has been granted under this section.
Immunity granted under the 1990 Constitution continues
155. Notwithstanding the abrogation of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997 and despite the repeal of the Constitution of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of Fiji (Promulgation) Decree 1990, Chapter XIV of the
Constitution of 1990 continues in force in accordance with its tenor, and the immunity granted in Chapter XIV of the Constitution of 1990 shall continue.
Immunity granted under the Limitation of Liability for Prescribed Political Events Decree 2010 continues
156.—(1) The immunities granted to prescribed persons for prescribed political events under the Limitation of
Liability for Prescribed Political Events Decree 2010 shall continue in existence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, the Limitation of Liability for Prescribed Political
Events Decree 2010 shall, in its entirety, continue in existence and shall not be reviewed, amended, altered, repealed or revoked by Parliament.
Further immunity
157. Absolute and unconditional immunity is irrevocably granted to any person (whether in their official or
personal or individual capacity) holding the office of, or holding the office in, as the case may be--
(a) the President;
(b) Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers;
(c) Republic of Fiji Military Forces;
(d) Fiji Police Force;
(e) Fiji Corrections Service;
(f) Judiciary;
(g) public service; and
(h) any public office,
from any criminal prosecution and from any civil or other liability in any court, tribunal or commission, in
any proceeding including any legal, military, disciplinary or professional proceedings and from any order or
judgment of any court, tribunal or commission, as a result of any direct or indirect participation, appointment
or involvement in the Government from 5 December 2006 to the date of the first sitting of the first Parliament
elected after the commencement of this Constitution; provided however any such immunity shall not apply to
any act or omission that constitutes an offence under sections 133 to 146, 148 to 236, 288 to 351, 356 to 361, 364 to 374, and 377 to 386 of the Crimes Decree 2009 (as prescribed in the Crimes Decree 2009 at the date of the commencement of this Constitution).
Immunity entrenched
158.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, this Chapter and any immunity granted or
continued in this Chapter shall not be reviewed, amended, altered, repealed or revoked.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution, no court or tribunal shall have the jurisdiction to
accept, hear or make any decision or order with respect to any challenge against the provisions of this Chapter and any immunity granted or continued in this Chapter.
(3) No compensation shall be payable by the State to any person in respect of damage, injury or loss to his or
her property or person caused by or consequent upon any conduct from which immunity has been granted under this section.
14 MAY 1987: 'Sa Noda Na Qaqa' - Rest Assured We Have Won.
So screamed the Coupist from the balcony of the Suva Civic Centre, surrounded by the Great Council of Chiefs, Thieves, and Others.
Shortly afterwards began an orgy of BEATINGS, TORTURE, RAPE, LOOTING and FINAL SOLUTION: DISENFRANCHISEMENT of Indo-Fijians from 1987 to 1999.
SOUNBITE: Now, Rabuka has declared 14 May, GIRMIT DAY, and he is being cheered on by NFP leader BIMAN PRASAD, whose sole mission was to form a girmit Coalition government with Rabuka as Prime Minister. Prasad will be a prisoner to SODELPA as the party pushes to turn back Fiji into the 19th Century with its divisive policies.
*For Prasad to enjoy the perks of Cabinet and power, he will not
SPEAK UP for Indo-Fijians.
*On 11 October 2005, our Founding Editor-in-Chief had called on the Laisenia Qarase government to ditch the Queen's Holiday and replace it with Girmit or Leonidas Arrival Day but Qarase declined, for he was pushing for the Qoliqoli Bill and the Indigenous Lands Tribunal Bill, the two Bills that led Bainimarama to overthrow him on 5 December 2006.
*In a cruel twist of irony, it was our Editor-in-Chief who fought for Qarase's legal and political rights through his then Opinion Column in the Fiji Sun after the deposed Prime Minister passed onto our Editor hundreds of Cabinet papers relating to the stand-off between Bainimarama, the Military, and the Qarase government. He has published only 25 per cent of the papers, for the rest was for a book he was co-authoring with the late Russell Hunter titled TREASON IN PARADISE: The Inside Story About the 2006 Fiji Coup.
*Having reflected on the 2005 Girmit Day call to the late Qarase, our Editor-in-Chief concluded some years ago that it was not appropriate anymore, for 14 May is inextricably linked to the 1987 Coup.
*In any case, thousands upon thousands of Indo-Fijians were chased out of Fiji and those who remained became second class citizens. The cunning FOX Rabuka hopes that we will forget his COUP on 14 May, and Indo-Fijians will be running around Fiji celebrating 'GIRMIT DAY'.
*Frankly, it is an insult to the memory of the descendants of the Girmitiyas and their ancestors. Worst, it is also an insult to i-Taukeis in the western division of Fiji, whose illustrious SON, the late Dr Timoci Bavadra had become the first i-Taukei from the west to become the
PRIME MINISTER OF FIJI, only to be deposed by Rabuka on 14 May 1987
*Sadly, most Chiefs, Thieves, and Others came from the Central, Northern and Eastern divisions to support the 1987 COUPs against Bavadra. Now, Rabuka wants to bring back the GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS.
14 MAY must NEVER be celebrated as GIRMIT DAY. It is COUP DAY when Rabuka chose that date and month, so it could coincide with the arrival of the first Indian coolies on board the Leonidas, on 14 May 1879.
*14 May is also a painful reminder to i-taukeis in the western division that their son, Dr Timoci Bavadra, was overthrown in that Rabuka coup.
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