The term "nationalist" in Fiji usually means an extreme or ultra-nationalist who in putting ethnic Fijian rights first, makes all others second class citizens. The term "Fijian" usually means ethnic Fijian but the draft People's Charter recommends it as the name for all Fiji citizens. And what on earth did he mean by "even Indians?" I have no idea.
For a release on his statement, and very informative and interesting comments on the statement, click here for the Coupfourpointfive website.
My own views? There's nothing sinister in the remark but he desperately needs a public relations officer. The stakes are too high and the issues too important to allow them to be defined by ambiguous off-the-cuff remarks.
7 comments:
Crosbie
I suspect Frank has no idea what he meant either.
We should pay some attention to what the Prime Minister had to say at the Official Opening of the Umanand Prasad Medical School (UPMS) today at Saweni Nr Lautoka. There could be no ambiguity concerning the use of 'Fijian' to be fully inclusive. We should all be 'nationalists' about Fiji and Fiji's interests. Very unwise of those outside Fiji to think we would or should feel otherwise? A US Congresswoman was there today to hear what the PM had to say and to witness the Official Opening - a very happy and colourful occasion. In fact, a day to remember with the promise of 'A Brighter Future for Fiji': isn't that exactly what President Barack Obama wished for us all in Fiji on Fiji Day 2009?
Sorry Anon, what did PM say at the opening? Nothing in the newspapers today.
Me thinks (could be), speaking impromptu is not our forte .
Listening to Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi yesterday on CNN was a real hoot. The man is almost beyond belief. How do Italians put up with him? He insisted in the CNN programme that "I always think before I speak". Well, that is surprising but perhaps it might be preferable were he to think before he acted? He has been accused by some of being 'too loud'. In was suggested that in Buckingham Palace at the G20 Summit he had offended Her Majesty The Queen. Both denied this. He seems to perhaps have given greater offence to Signora Berlusconi? But that is another matter.
He needs the benefit of doubt this time –but if he has political ambitions –he can easily flip to being an ethno-nationalist!
Bhaiyajavascript:void(0)
Crosbie,
You should be the first one to understand what Frank said.
I could understand it from a mile away what Frank meant in that nationalism as he defined it is not a matter of race anymore, it is a matter of citizenry.
In the new Fiji, race no longer defines your nationalism for country, your citizenship does. That's the end of the story.
Any other twisting of Frank's most simplest of statement is just much ado about nothing.
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