Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. (René Descartes, mathematician and philosopher,1599-1650)

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Personalities and "Progress"


By Crosbie Walsh

I feel as if I'm on two treadmills trying to catch up with and publish comments on the daily news while at the same time trying to put recent and unfolding happenings into some sort of perspective. What some call "the big picture."  If only I could do a Coup4.5 and change editors when I get tired, or farm out editorship like "Peter Firkin" in Fiji Today. You can always trace these changes when they  occur by subtle changes in policy and their tolerance of contrary comments. Peter, come back. Fiji Today is fast losing its reputation as a reasonable anti-Bainimarama blog.

The elements or major constructs in the bigger picture are government, its various opponents, and more distantly, foreign governments, agencies and advocates  most of whom are tied into one or another of the local opponents. Some NGOs and trade unions are cases in point.

The issue at the centre of the current big picture stems from the conflicting disappointments with the Ghai draft constitution and, inevitably, with the subsequent passing of the Political Parties Decree.

The Ghai Draft and the Political Parties Decree
To some, some features of the Political Parties Decree are draconian. It imposes difficult or impossible requirements on existing political parties (but not, significantly, on any new parties that may emerge later).  First, there is the requirement of 5000 members and $5005 dollars, recruited in the numbers stated from each of the country's four administrative districts. This will be no problem at all for the SDL party and not much harder for the FLP, but smaller parties will have problems.  Secondly, is the requirement that the party must apply for registration within 28 days. And finally, the requirement that no "public officer" may join a political party or stand in the election without first resigning from his or her public office.  I have expressed the view that I see no problem with civil servants being limited in this way but there  should be no restrictions on trade unionists and others who in most democracies may wear two hats: one as a unionist, the other as a party member.  Graham Davis suggests a way out for the old parties: fold up and re-register under a different name later along with the new parties. But this may be no solution if Government is seeking to exclude the old politician and its more voracious critics, which I believe is its  primary purpose.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Political Parties Decree is intended to thwart the formation of the announced Workers Party, undermine the trade union movement, and the Fiji  Labour Party.  There is, after all, no employers' party on the horizon, the SDL is not threatened, and there is no requirement that chiefs cannot  join a political party, yet they should also be considered  public officers in this new, extended meaning of the term.

People not Organizations Targeted
But this judgement requires qualification.  I don't think it is the Workers' Party, the trade unions movement or FLP per se that are being targeted,  although the Bainimarama government is far more right wing than left.  Rather it is the people who lead them that Government seeks  to marginalise. From what has been said many times, I can't see Government making any accommodation with the likes of Felix Anthony, Daniel Urai, Attar Singh and Mahendra Chaudhry.

Fiji is a small society and an important consequence of "smallness" is that personal relationships are that much more important in the political arena than in bigger societies.  What may have started as differences in opinion or policy so often end up as a conflict of personalities.

Bainimarama sees these trade unionists  and Chaudhry as putting their self-interests ahead of the nation, and their efforts to win support from the international trade union movement as acts of betrayal tantamount to  treason. Government claims unionists were responsible for pushing Air Pacific close to the edge of bankruptcy. I think this unlikely but it matters not whether these claims are fair and accurate. It is what they believe.

Opposition as bad or worse
The opposition argument is similarly founded. It is not willing —or even able— to look at any of the government's measures that many would say were long overdue or  much needed or commendable.

All it can see are two men, Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, whom they loath. Hence, the venom, accusations and vitriolic personal attacks in the anti-blogs and in a more guarded fashion in the mainstream Fiji and overseas media.  This, I think, is one important reason why Government passed the Public Emergency Regulations and the Media Decree. It could not trust the opposition to do anything other than criticise negatively.

For those who may say:  Of course. It is the job of an opposition to criticize, one must consider its extent and purpose.  Government has been submitted to a barrage of criticism on every conceivable issue: mining in Bua  and Namosi, Chinese investment, its loans (that will "cripple our grandchildren"),  the sugar industry, its handling of the the two floods in 2012, the FNPF, the proposed casino, the PM and A-G's salaries, e-voter registration, and unfounded accusations against the judiciary. Even the
frequent visits of the PM and ministers to remote rural areas (rarely if even visited by previous politicians),  and its free or subsidised bus fares for school children and the elderly are labelled vote buying.

The list is endless and the purpose obvious. These are not the criticisms of a reasonable opposition hoping to influence Government policy. They do not propose informed alternatives. Their aim is to distract, delay and cause doubt. Their only purpose is to undermine government and hope that in the "fallout" that follows they will somehow be able to return to the good old days.

Both the FLP and Fiji Trade Union Congress submissions to the Constitution Commission wanted all the things Government did not want.  They did not want a new constitution. They wanted to retain the 1997 Constitution with only minor modifications, Senate and the Great Council of Chiefs. Both wanted Government out of all arrangements leading into the 2014 elections. Both opposed the granting of amnesty. And both expressed reservations about the Constituent Assembly.

Looked at in this way they did not want any dialogue on a new constitution until much later when, having gleaned some knowledge of the Ghai Commission's recommendations, they were suddenly transformed into its keenest advocates.

Opposition don't want process to succeed
Personalities are also a major reason why the old political parties were wary of the constitution dialogue process. They do not trust Bainimarama or Khaiyum. They did not want the process to succeed because they knew that ultimately amnesty would have to be granted; Bainimarama and Khaiyum would still be around, and they would also have to agree to compromises that could undermine their future prospects in parliament.

Similarly, this is why Government tried to stop the draft decree being made made public until it could be discussed in the Assembly under normal rules of debate.  The opposition's past record led Government to believe they would inflame the situation, stir up strong feelings on particular issues and  create altogether the wrong atmosphere prior to the first meeting to the Constituent Assembly.

Events lend some credence to this suspicion.  With the easing of media restrictions we might have expected somewhat more tolerant or balanced public statements by those opposed to Government but this was not to be. The criticisms, personal accusations and unrealistic demands have not  abated.

The "personal factor" can, of course, be overstated.  There are differences in philosophy and policy, and Government and the old political parties definitely have different visions for Fiji,  but even these are often used by both Government and its opponents to attack each other on a personal basis.

Sometimes one wonders whether Fiji's motto should be Argumentum ad Hominem and not Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui  Fear God and honour the Queen. Something else that may need changing?

Antipathy not new
This antipathy is not new. It preceded the 2006 coup.  It could be seen in the personal attacks on Mahendra Chaudhry in 1999; in the refusal by Qarase to include Chaudhry in his Cabinet in 2001 even though this was required by law; in Chaudhry's refusal to form a parliamentary opposition and the subsequent farce of a one-man party, Beddoes, as leader of the opposition.. It is seen also in the peripatetic behaviour of Tupeni Baba who parted from Chaudhry to form the New Labour Party and who has now moved into the SDL, abandoning his former pleas for multiculturalism. And in Chaudhry's departure as Bainimarama's Minister of Finance in 2007.

More recently, it is seen in the refusal of the "opposition" to participate in the People's Charter; their refusal to even consider the Roadmap; their initial refusal to participate in the constitution dialogue process and ongoing demands for a return to the 1997 Constitution and that Bainimarama immediately step down.

Imagine what a heyday they would have had had the draft constitution been released for public scrutiny. Think what they have done with the leaked version.  There is no spirit of reconciliation or accommodation here.

Opposition don't really want the Constituent Assembly
Think what the political parties have said about the Constituent Assembly.  They refuse to accept a chairperson nominated by Government and have prevaricated about participation. This can only be aimed at undermining the credibility of the Assembly's decisions. They don't really want the Constituent Assembly.  They want the Ghai Commission recommendations on the transfer of power.  Which may seem reasonable except that the recommendations virtually excluded the de facto Government, and
obviously would be unacceptable to them.

Only if different people (on both sides) were involved, would there have been an outside chance the transition recommendations would have been accepted.

Opposition let lose in a china shop
Let us assume the political parties change their mind on participation in the Assembly as they did with the Constitution Commission. What sort of discussion may we anticipate within the Assembly as it attempts to achieve consensus or workable compromises that would result in acceptance of the draft constitution?

Government will obviously refuse to hand over to an interim Cabinet and it will not agree to the National People's Assembly overseeing Parliament. How will the political opposition react to this? What will the fiery, wily Chaudhry do when he cannot win the Assembly over?  I think he will choose his moment to walk out —or be sent out by the Chairperson for disorderly behaviour— and have yet another opportunity to discredit the Assembly which is, let's face it,  the only process that will return Fiji to parliamentary rule.  And how many of the old politicians will follow the Chaudhry example?

Did Government anticipate the Opposition actions?
My guess is that it is with this sort of drama in mind that Government decided to amend the draft before it got to the Assembly, and to hobble the old political parties before they could generate any traction.

The reaction of Government to the formation of a "united front" of the old political parties and some trade unions  last week lends weight to the contention that  it sees its old antagonists personalising issues and engaging in petty politics. Note in particular item 5 in the official media release below (my underlining).

Government does not wish to engage with these people.  It holds them responsible for the state of politics prior to 2006 and their opposition to what it has been endeavouring to do for the past six years.  And to this extent the central issue is  not about  democracy  but about some of the people who have claimed the word.

Neither, of course, does the opposition wish to engage with Government.  They hold it, but particularly the "illiterate  dictator" Bainimarama and the "self-serving" heinous Muslim Sayed-Khaiyum,  responsible for the curtailment of civil liberties, their loss of power and the loss of freedom that they equate with a loss of democracy. There seems no way these two groups will agree.

And yet, there is perhaps still one small possibility of reconciliation. A traditional apology (matanigasau) by Bainimarama to the President for the arguably less creditable feature of his administration, followed or preceded by public apologies and matanigasau by his main opponents.  But can you see this happening?

MEDIA RELEASE : RESPONSE TO UNITED FRONT FOR A DEMOCRATIC FIJI

1.     The issues raised by the so-called United Front for a Democratic Fiji ("UFDF") have already been answered by Government.
2.     The latest release by this so-called UFDF goes precisely against the address by His Excellency the President, that is to disengage from petty politics and to focus on contributing positively in the formulation and adoption of a new Constitution for the betterment of all Fijians.
3.     In terms of Government transparency and accountability, these questions have already been addressed and as stated, further laws are also being developed to ensure even greater standards of accountability and transparency for all. Amongst these laws include the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree 2013 ("Decree"). Suffice to say, previous governments which have consisted of or were supported by the members of the so-called UFDF, have failed to do so.
4.     In their rush to personalise matters and engage in petty politics, the release by the so-called UFDF contains a number of factual inaccuracies and anomalies - one of which is that the salaries of all cabinet ministers are in fact paid and processed by the Ministry of Finance and not by any private entity.
5.     The Bainimarama Government does not and will not engage in political bickering, which of course these political parties are used to and which have they have been practising for years. The Bainimarama Government is focussed on development and introducing systems, processes and laws that will ensure transparency, accountability, prosperity for all Fijians and true democracy. Accordingly, Government will no longer respond to this already discredited UFDF.
6.     The release by UFDF also demonstrates how they relish and thrive in such political bickering without having a principled approach. It is quite apparent that in their desperation to not comply with the Decree, they are now clutching at straws.

60 comments:

Lead by example please said...

One issue constantly raised by bloggers and anti-dictatorship folk is that of the PM & AG salary - how is it paid, how much and what assets have they been able to accumulate while in power.

In my view the PM and AG could deal with this very quickly (in fact they should have dealt with it ages ago). They should announce that they will make their salaries public within the same 28 days they have given political leaders.

To continue to hide this only adds fuel to the fire that they are paying themselves significant amounts more than previous ministers and have indeed been lining their pockets rather than "not benefitting from the coup".

So Mr PM and Mr AG why no LEAD by EXAMPLE rather than just decree ?

Anonymous said...

Croz, These are not reasonable times so why expect a "reasonable opposition". How quickly you forget the last elected governemtn was removed at gun point and has been silenced for the majority of the last 6 years. In the eyes of Frank and co there is no "opposition" - they are the enemy and a threat to the military's power.

And while we are talking "reasonable" do you think it is reasonable that this government six years on still blame every issue in Fiji on past governments ? Not once have I heard take responsibility for anything, there is always a excuse and nothing is ever their fault.

Anonymous said...

"A traditional apology (matanigasau) by Bainimarama" this should be to the people of Fiji not just the president but I cant see that happening.

A few more things B government does not do said...

"The Bainimarama Government does not and will not engage in political bickering" - this is true.

Whats also true is
1. Bainimarama government does not engage in debate

2. Bainimarama government does not tolerate people who do not do and say as they are told

3. Bainimarama government does not consult, forgive or compromise

4. Bainimarama governemnt does not lead by example

Suggestion said...

A suggestion - simple change to political parties decree

These simple changes would take the sting out of the decree

1. Give existing parties until Sept 2013 to comply with the decree
2. Any new parties need to up and running for at least 12 months to contest the election (eg before Sept 2013)
3. Public officers can stay in posts but must resign if voted into power or up until Sept 2013

Joe said...

Even simpler is to dissolve all parties. We have had enough of them. Start fresh. The new Fiji has no place for these racist parties, Amen.

Aunty Nur's Slush Fund said...

We have to keep it secret. Money laundering is a crime?

Anonymous said...

You mean like the i-taukei thug military morons?

Cin Cin said...

@ Croz

What is 'petty' about demanding transparancy from a regime that all too frequently boasts that it is all about bringing transparency and accountability to Fiji for, apparently, the first time?

Its actually a fairly straighforward demand - what are you being paid and where are the government accounts?

As a stategy whatever parties contest the election would be fools not to pound the regime with the question at every opportunity. It goes to credibility. Just answer the question, how hard could it be?


Joe said...

I mean the morons who had been running the country from independence in 1970 to 5th December 2006.

INVICTUS said...

@ Joe and Cin Cin

Agree with you both. Since 1970 in an unending trail of flawed leadership, Fiji has suffered, advocacy has suffered, the practice of the Art of the Possible namely politics suffered because we failed to exercise the political arts required to sustain a thriving democracy. Shoot the Messenger applied, attack the man and not the argument. Our schools were flawed in their curricula and never taught us to analyse, criticise and above all: ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS WITHOUT DEMUR. Be SMART as President Obama unfailingly reminds us in almost every speech he delivers. Require and demand outcomes which are timebound. Always require the truth by never allowing anyone to lie to you twice. Never permit yourself to be paid by money which is derived unlawfully to unforseeable ends. Reparation will be made and this money will be accounted for in the fullness of time: each and every dollar paid since 1987. If you are paid in this way, begin accounting for it now. We insist no less.

BASA said...

Only the remuneration of the PM and AG are paid outside the the Ministry of Finance. They are almost telling the truth with "salaries of all cabinet ministers are in fact paid and processed by the Ministry of Finance and not by any private entity"

INVICTUS said...

# BASA


'Almost telling the truth' is insufficient and we know that it is. Those of us who are lawyers know this fully and well. Being "economical with the truth" will not do. In a Court of Law it is perjury - anywhere in the world. In Fiji now it merits a prison sentence of 7 years: quite appropriately in our view. Perjury has been permitted a space in our Due Process. This is unpardonable and inexcusable. Justice has been violated. We have witnessed it in person with others. Reparation will be due for this and for unaccounted monies: in the pockets of many Fijians today. Where are your consciencs? Do you have such? Because time is running short.

Anonymous said...

I fully agree with Croz: The dictator is not to be criticised. He needs support, praise and understanding. He needs to be commended for his benevolence. We all should fall in behind him and his AG. We have nothing to win opposing their rule. And the foreign media should also start to report positively on the current government. This is the only approach to secure a smooth transition towards an elected Bainimarama government.

Anonymous said...

Croz,

You openly admit that this government will not allow any of the previous political leaders to return. How is that democracy ?

%$#@! said...

Croz , for all his naivity seems to presume that the military regime will accept any opposition on any matter at some point in time. They won't, at all. They don't even listen to their own allies when pointing out flaws. He also presumes wrongly, that there has been any good faith in any dealing from the regime. well there hasn't. What he does want is a craven opposition who aggree with the regime, make no public comment at all, accept what they are given and don't dare scrutinse anything lest they find something.TO claim that the regime has answered anything is garbage. They are tricky and sly and don't acdept any accountability to anyone, but have the audacity to make rules for others to follow.

Fiji reality said...

The real reason Bainimarama and his military governemtn don't want any of the previous leaders returning is simple. RETRIBUTION. They fear that everything they have heaped on them over the last six years (cutting pensions, attacking family, brutality, FICAC war) will be returned to them. And they are right - it would be. Sadly because they would see it as their turn to get back at Frank just like he has seen the last six years as getting back at everyone else.

Fiji reality.

Anonymous said...

Croz, It is unfortunate but the reality is that the military is in charge now, it will be in charge in the future. Get rid of the military, I don't think that will happen. So now, who started the coups, the Rambo must be really feeling proud of his achievements. As for the current state of things, I truly believe that the work done on the ground is much better than what has been done by all previous governments. No future government will ever be able to challenge the military, all future leaders know that!! Only possible way is foreign intervention, but this can not be done since the Fiji military will resist and no doubt a lot of people will pay a heavy price for the foreign intervention. Waiting for the elections, lets see how it pans out then..

desmond said...

When the dictator slags of every other politician and every other elected government before him, it not negative or politics as he sees it. When he makes claims before any investigation takes place, again not politics, but when other make claims or disagree, well we see what happens. He will now reinterprt democracy for Fiji where the military can step whenever they like and he maintains the upper hand to get himself elected with the full consent of people like Crosbie and others all the while making excuses for him and helping him 'communicate'.

Joe said...

It is important for Frank and the military to have the upper hand till all these rotten politicians disappear into oblivion and young responsible citizens take over the business of running the country with a new mind set. To put Fiji on par with other genuine democracies of the world, do what you are told to do for now,as we are in the rebuilding phase. It is as simple as that. Like it or lump it, the military is in control, they give orders, and you comply. They wont take orders from anyone, and why should they?

Anonymous said...

oh looking at how secretive and sly they are, we are now dealing with an entirley new bunch of crooks and thugs.

%$#@! said...

i dare you to compare what this regime is planning on doing with any 'genuine democracies' as you call them. I can only think you mean ,China, Azerbaijan, Zimbabwe and Burma. The would even dislcose information to Transparency International, i wonder why, another western conspiracy i suppose? How gullible some people are and to think we are all going to lap up this sel-serving crap is insulting.If everything is so sweet and they are so in control and the country is so behind them, why do they need armed gurads and why do they need immunity??

Joe said...

Obviously you dont know what genuine democracy is, as per your examples. The current govt in Fiji is only interim if you are not aware, and they are doing the ground work to bring genuine democracy to Fiji in 2014. They need immunity and armed guards because of the likes of yourself, cant play on a level playing field. Look through the windscreen not the rear vision mirror.

Junta watch said...

Have you always been a facist fool?

Anonymous said...

The problem I find is this Regime lead by VB and ASK believe that Fiji belongs to them and the Military is their private army; they can spend Tax payers funds but don't want to be accountable. You got to be raving lunatics to think that you will be called up one day and be accountable; better now than later. All we get from Pro-regime backers is what about the corruption of past ELECTED Governments. SO what? This coup was to FIX all that up... Oh do I hate politics and bull shit con-artists.

eh? said...

When the salaries issue comes up, why do I get the feeling that the critics are a/ trying to change the subject and b/unable to respond to criticism about their own corrupt activities? Even is the salaries are corruptly received (and there is no suggestion of this, only of a lack of transparency) how does it justify the corruption of others? As they say, two wrongs don't make a right?

Anonymous said...

Q. How much support do you have?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. What are your assets and liabilities?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. Why did you play the race card when you were in power?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. Why didn't you fix the roads when you were in power?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. Why did you never set up FICAC when you were in power?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. Why didn't you remove politics from the sugar industry?
A. What is the PM paid?
Q. Why didn't you provide free school books and bus fares for children when you were in power?
A. How much is the PM paid?
Q. What is wrong with the People's Charter?
A. How much is the PM paid?

Aunty nur's slush fund said...

Great questions providing acountability and transparency.

Anonymous said...

Answer the quaestion joe.

Joe said...

You can call me fascist fool or whatever you like. The reality is that the military is in total control and everyone has to play by the new rules, end of story. It is fools like yourselves who are still living in the chaudhary or qarase era. We can argue till the cows come home but nothing will change the resolve of the military. You are welcome to call me all the dirty names under the sun if you like. It will make jack shit difference to reality. Chill out mate, the sun will rise again tomorrow.

Givemtime said...

Q. Why won't you allow an audit of the RFMF regimental funds?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why won't you disclose the salaries of the PM and AG?
A. We are building a corruption free mult-racial Fiji.
Q. Why is the RFMF still 99% Fijian in composition?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why has foreign investment been in the doldrums for the last 6 years?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. What is the tender process for major government funded infrastructure projects?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.

etc, etc,etc........

Joe said...

@ anon 9:33 PM This regime certainly believes that Fiji belongs to them and each and every citizen, and the military is the final bastion of law and order. They do spend tax $s on development of infrastructure. They dont buy FHL shares that were intended for the poor villagers, and they certainly dont hide money in foreign banks that was intended for the poor farmers. "This coup was to fix all that up". Absolutely true, it is being fixed. Get away from that grog bowl and you be able to see clearly.

Invictus said...

@ givemtime

Well, we get the message! Or .... do we? Why are we still so economical not only with THE TRUTH but also with the economy? Where is the investment-on-the-ground that we insist has arrived? Why do we continue to insist that disinvestment and a lack of employment is a global issue? It is but what are we doing to mitigate it? Why, for instance, is there no National Youth Corps daily training vocationally and 'on-the-job': drainage/litter removal from the verges of our roads/visible effort to remove completely the pollution of roadside advertising? A Blot on the Landscape which Cyclone Evan had a ball with. Now they are creeping back: paid for by Big Creeps who have no interest whatsoever in the long-term best interest of Fiji. They cater to mass tourism not to travellers. We need to move up a notch or four on this. Our Economical Elites pander to the lowest common denominator. A silly and sorry error of judgement. Shall we take up the Dubai approach and offer haven to embattled dictators' close relatives? Could be lucrative! But the healthcare needs an urgent makeover first. It was reported reliably today that the mother of Bashar Al Assad now lives in Dubai. Alongside the President of Pakistan and his mother-in-law, no doubt. Neither condescend to live in their homeland for much of the time. Painstaking good judgement!

Joe who does not drink grog said...

Sure Joe.... what is being fixed? Tell your heroes to prove it. Remove all decrees that oppresses our rights so we can ask the HARD questions rather than leaving them to the Fiji media pussies. Typical hypocrite.

Joe who does not drink grog said...

and BTW, I dislike drinking that brown stuff.

Anonymous said...

Yes Joe, lets replace them with the last line of defense, the i-taukei military morons.... racists as best.

Anonymous said...

Q. Why is Nepotism still practice when you were suppose to clean this up?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why is unemployment high and cost of living going out of control?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why are Ministers holding more than one Ministry portfolio?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why is the country's debt levels going out of control?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why is the sugar industry's output efficiency at its lowest when you said this will be fixed?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why is the legal system a mess today?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why do you want immunity from 2000?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Is it because you were about to be charged for the actions of 2000?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
etc...etc..etc..

So Sir, nothing significant has really been achieved by your Regime since 2006.
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.

Thank you sir for your broken record replies.

Anonymous said...

All you educated idiots, where were you when the Speight followers attempted mutiny at the army barracks resulting in bloodshed & deaths, where were you when we were getting back to normalcy after the Speight led coup, WHERE WERE YOU?????.....take all your education & law credentials and shove them in the toilet....

if it wasn't for VB, you wouldn't even have such a forum to voice your 2cents....get a life....

Dove said...

For genuine peace both sides need to give. The trouble is that the critics are as unforgiving as government and are just waiting in the wings for revenge. The Yash Ghai constitution was full of revengeful provisions, taking the CJ off the chair of the Judicial Service Commission, abolishing the AG's post, abolishing FICAC, giving the SG more powers than he has ever had before,and provisions to allow all the lapsed cases against the State to be revived.It is obvious that the people who advised Ghai were full of revenge. So where will we find the necessary give? All we have is a number of people (mostly dispossessed of power or money) who can't wait to get back in so they can destroy those who dispossessed them.

blah blah blah said...

@ anonymous and given time
I think you miss the point. The government is not a saint. But are you a saint? Does your favoured regime (Qarase, SVT, etc) have the moral authority to say anything about the transparency of others? And why distract from the issues by peronalised attacks? Boring.

Anonymous said...

Q. Why are muslims holding significant and important roles of Government without following proper hiring processes?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Q. Why are the human rights of the Fijian people still under draconian decrees?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.

etc..etc..etc..

So Sir, nothing significant has really been achieved by your Regime since 2006. In fact, we are worse off...
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.

Thank you sir for your broken record replies.

Blah Blah Blah is a empty vessel said...

Blah Blah Blah... We are no saints but we are no devils either. Open your eyes Son! and read the writing on the wall. Nothing we wrote are personal attacks. They are questions to your heroes from us the Fiji Tax payers who see your heroes as gatekeepers to the public purse; so we are entitled to question their motives. So my advise to you is to go dig a big hole, put your big empty vessel in it and come out when we are truly free from oppression.

Anonymous said...

How to avoid personel attacks:
Do not target the individual. Criticise the policy or the issue.
Avoid attacks on religious communities(eg why are there so many Muslims?). If you suggest religios nepotism, use statistics facts and figures. Eg statistically all Muslims in the public service have been appointed without adhering to PSC hiring procedures, or 50% have been promoted as opposed to 20% of other ethnic groups.
Avoid attacking without evidence eg Human rights enfringing draconian decrees.
Avoid emotional and inciteful language eg draconian .

Exactly So said...

@ blah blah blah is an empty vessel.
Your post is a personal attack. Sigh.

Junta watch said...

Your first question is one that certainly neds to be answered. There are some ominous signs emerging in Fiji.

Givemtime said...

But wait, there's more......

Q. Do I look big in this dress?
A. We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps you haven't seen how the regime finds the term 'interim' so objectionable they don't use it anymore and certainly bristle if the media use it. This is mindset and there will be atime when this will all end in tears, not mine.

Anonymous said...

@Invictus again sly wth the facts, there may be global issues at work but this regime has compounded every one of them, when they are not blaoming previous governments, 6 years after they took over of course.

Anonymous said...

Q: what kind of questions are these?

A: the kind that thinks that my man VB does things for Fiji because they think he only wants to fill his pockets. Oh no no .............. dear boy! My Man VB cares for the people and believes those who become PM should serve the people with all their hearts for all races of our dear nation - and not just one segment of society.

Anonymous said...

You will be pleased they are deporting Father Barr... now you the only white man supporting the regime

Mahen 'bahut paisa wala' chaudhry said...

A big joke is recent FLP Statement on 'super-salaries’ of PM and AG.
Coming from FLP, it is bullshit.
What about mahen chaudhry's 'super-secret' $2m bank account in Australia?
What about interim finance minister mahen approving Bainimarama's 'super-back pay' of some 150k?
The hypocrisy from FLP is nauseating.
Utterly self-serving bunch consisting of father, his mistress and son running the show. They take us for fools.
FLP statement: “PM receives $267,000, AG $336,000…super salaries no former PM or AG has received”.
True, but nothing compared to mahen's $2m-plus, one-off haul, eh Asha Lakhan?
Enquiries revel $2m loot was from monies collected in the name of Fiji's coup victims.
Mahen secreted the money into his account.
No one would have known if not for investigative journalism by Victor Lal.
Yet, FLP media person Asha lakhan can pontificate with statements like: "The tax payer and people of Fiji are entitled to know the truth." Yes, asha, they are also entitled to to know the truth about $2m stashed by Fiji’s Robin Hood, aka mahen.

FLP statement: "After all, there has been much rhetoric on transparency and accountability by the High Command of the interim government”. The man who made a career out of rhetoric on transparency and accountability is FLP Dictator and High Command, one mahen pal chauhdry. But he never practices it.
He defied party directive and appointed in-law Sachida as senator. Because of nepotism and mahen’s $2m stash, FLP is known as ‘Ali Baba & 40 thieves party’.
It is bloody hypocritical of FLP to ask regime ‘to clarify reports about Cabinet salaries being abnormally high’ before FLP clarifies exactly where $2m came from and how it ended in mahen’s pocket.
FLP statement: ‘So much for accountability and transparency from the AG and his PM – SO MUCH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM FLP AND MAHEN CHAUDHRY. Clean you own backyard first Ms Lakhan.
FLP statement: Stories posted on the blogs claim that Bainimarama and Khaiyum are each drawing salaries in excess of $700k pa. with ‘whopping’ FNPF contribution of $112k per annum’!
Still can’t beat mahen’s ‘whopping’ one-off $2m windfall, can it Asha? And in Australian dollars too!

I am no regime supporter, but its time for Aunty Asha Lakhan, as part of the old guard, to move on. Her hypocrisy is unbearable.

Mahen 'bahut paisa wala' chaudhry said...

A big joke is recent FLP Statement on 'super-salaries’ of PM and AG.
Coming from FLP, it is bullshit.
What about mahen chaudhry's 'super-secret' $2m bank account in Australia?
What about interim finance minister mahen approving Bainimarama's 'super-back pay' of some 150k?
The hypocrisy from FLP is nauseating.
Utterly self-serving bunch consisting of father, his mistress and son running the show. They take us for fools.
FLP statement: “PM receives $267,000, AG $336,000…super salaries no former PM or AG has received”.
True, but nothing compared to mahen's $2m-plus, one-off haul, eh Asha Lakhan?
Enquiries revel $2m loot was from monies collected in the name of Fiji's coup victims.
Mahen secreted the money into his account.
No one would have known if not for investigative journalism by Victor Lal.
Yet, FLP media person Asha lakhan can pontificate with statements like: "The tax payer and people of Fiji are entitled to know the truth." Yes, asha, they are also entitled to to know the truth about $2m stashed by Fiji’s Robin Hood, aka mahen.

FLP statement: "After all, there has been much rhetoric on transparency and accountability by the High Command of the interim government”. The man who made a career out of rhetoric on transparency and accountability is FLP Dictator and High Command, one mahen pal chauhdry. But he never practices it.
He defied party directive and appointed in-law Sachida as senator. Because of nepotism and mahen’s $2m stash, FLP is known as ‘Ali Baba & 40 thieves party’.
It is bloody hypocritical of FLP to ask regime ‘to clarify reports about Cabinet salaries being abnormally high’ before FLP clarifies exactly where $2m came from and how it ended in mahen’s pocket.
FLP statement: ‘So much for accountability and transparency from the AG and his PM – SO MUCH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM FLP AND MAHEN CHAUDHRY. Clean you own backyard first Ms Lakhan.
FLP statement: Stories posted on the blogs claim that Bainimarama and Khaiyum are each drawing salaries in excess of $700k pa. with ‘whopping’ FNPF contribution of $112k per annum’!
Still can’t beat mahen’s ‘whopping’ one-off $2m windfall, can it Asha? And in Australian dollars too!

I am no regime supporter, but its time for Aunty Asha Lakhan, as part of the old guard, to move on. Her hypocrisy is unbearable.

mahen 'paisa wala' chaudhry said...

A big joke is recent FLP Statement on 'super-salaries’ of PM and AG.
Coming from FLP, it is bullshit.
What about mahen chaudhry's 'super-secret' $2m bank account in Australia?
What about interim finance minister mahen approving Bainimarama's 'super-back pay' of some 150k?
The hypocrisy from FLP is nauseating.
Utterly self-serving bunch consisting of father, his mistress and son running the show. They take us for fools.
FLP statement: “PM receives $267,000, AG $336,000…super salaries no former PM or AG has received”.
True, but nothing compared to mahen's $2m-plus, one-off haul, eh Asha Lakhan?
Enquiries revel $2m loot was from monies collected in the name of Fiji's coup victims.
Mahen secreted the money into his account.
No one would have known if not for investigative journalism by Victor Lal.
Yet, FLP media person Asha lakhan can pontificate with statements like: "The tax payer and people of Fiji are entitled to know the truth." Yes, asha, they are also entitled to to know the truth about $2m stashed by Fiji’s Robin Hood, aka mahen.

FLP statement: "After all, there has been much rhetoric on transparency and accountability by the High Command of the interim government”. The man who made a career out of rhetoric on transparency and accountability is FLP Dictator and High Command, one mahen pal chauhdry. But he never practices it.
He defied party directive and appointed in-law Sachida as senator. Because of nepotism and mahen’s $2m stash, FLP is known as ‘Ali Baba & 40 thieves party’.
It is bloody hypocritical of FLP to ask regime ‘to clarify reports about Cabinet salaries being abnormally high’ before FLP clarifies exactly where $2m came from and how it ended in mahen’s pocket.
FLP statement: ‘So much for accountability and transparency from the AG and his PM – SO MUCH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM FLP AND MAHEN CHAUDHRY. Clean you own backyard first Ms Lakhan.
FLP statement: Stories posted on the blogs claim that Bainimarama and Khaiyum are each drawing salaries in excess of $700k pa. with ‘whopping’ FNPF contribution of $112k per annum’!
Still can’t beat mahen’s ‘whopping’ one-off $2m windfall, can it Asha? And in Australian dollars too!

I am no regime supporter, but its time for Aunty Asha Lakhan, as part of the old guard, to move on. Her hypocrisy is unbearable.

Anonymous said...

Agree. but not directed at VB. signed an Anry Tax payer of Fiji

Anonymous said...

Not so "Exact So" The personel attack is on Blah X3 not on VB. signed TAX Payer

Crosbie Walsh said...

@ Anonymous ... I have just read the MOI announcement on Fr Barr. The short notice only gives those opposed to the deportation tomorrow Saturday to seek a change.

Goodbye to another junta stooge said...

Q: Why are you deporting the junta priest?
A: We are building a corruption free multi-racial Fiji.
Good call and good riddance.

Uncle Mahen and Aunty Asha said...

mahen 'paise wala' chaudhry


A big joke is recent FLP Statement on ‘super-salaries’ of PM and AG.
Coming from FLP, it is bullshit.
What about mahen chaudhry’s ‘super-secret’ $2m bank account in Australia?
How about interim finance minister mahen approving Bainimarama’s ‘super-back pay’ of some 150k?
The hypocrisy from FLP is nauseating.

Utterly self-serving bunch consisting of father, his mistress and son running the show. They take us for fools.

FLP statement: “PM receives $267,000, AG $336,000…super salaries no former PM or AG has received”.
True, but nothing compared to mahen’s $2m-plus, one-off haul, eh Asha Lakhan?
$2m loot was from monies collected in the name of Fiji’s coup victims.
Mahen secreted the money into his account.
Yet, FLP media person Asha lakhan can pontificate: “The taxpayer and people of Fiji are entitled to know the truth.”
Yes, asha, they are also entitled to to know the truth about $2m stashed by Fiji’s Robin Hood, aka mahen.
FLP statement: “There has been much rhetoric on transparency and accountability interim government High Command ”.
The man who made a career out of rhetoric on transparency and accountability is FLP Dictator and High Command, one mahen pal chauhdry.
But he never practices it: he defied party directive and appointed in-law Sachida as senator.
Because of nepotism and mahen’s $2m stash, FLP is known as ‘Ali Baba & 40 thieves party’.
Who is FLP to ask regime ‘to clarify reports about Cabinet salaries being abnormally high’ when there are so many questions about its own leader and the secret $2million?
Before opening its mouth, FLP needs to clarify exactly where $2m came from and how it ended in mahen’s pocket.
FLP statement: ‘So much for accountability and transparency from the AG and his PM – SO MUCH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM FLP AND MAHEN CHAUDHRY. Clean you own backyard first Ms Lakhan.
FLP statement: Stories posted on the blogs claim that Bainimarama and Khaiyum are each drawing 'whopping salaries iof $700k pa.
Still can’t beat mahen’s ‘whopping’ one-off $2m windfall, can it Asha? And in Australian dollars too!

I am no regime supporter, but its time for Aunty Asha Lakhan, as part of the old guard, to move on. Her hypocrisy is unbearable.

Charlie Charters said...

Croz, I am sorry but you are wholly and completely wrong to say 'unfounded allegations against the judiciary'.

The allegations that I have seen against the judiciary are very detailed. In your review of William Marshall's 100-page petition even you admitted 'he has made a sufficient case for his arguments to be heard'.

But were they heard? No they were not.

The pro-regime forces moved in a similar fashion against Marshall as they were subsequently to move against Ghai: belittling what he had to say through a smokescreen of vaguely sourced innuendo and anonymous briefing.

You also joined this chorus with, I think, a pretty low-ball attempt to dismiss Marshall as a neo-colonialist just because he happened to have spent a large part of his career in Hong Kong (which, oh I get it now!!, was once a British colony) .

Likewise the case of Greg Bullard, the cases of summarily dismissed Magistrates Elsie Hudson, Mary Muir and Eparama Rokoika, Chief magistrate Ajmal Khan and magistrate Maika Nakora, etc. etc.

Come Croz, play fair here. Here of all places.

Anonymous said...

The old guard definitely has to move on; I can't believe the corrupt MC is still a force in Fiji politics. The new constitution may need to allow the military some say in how the country is governed. We need to compromise as I for one can't bear the thought of going back to the same old politicians and parties