Japan's Ambassador to Fiji HE Yutaka Yoshizawa (pictured) said he was regularly in touch with the PM on critical issues of good governance and the democratic process because Japan believed engagement would comfortably allow Fiji to make a guaranteed transition into what it wants for its people.
He also revealed he was speaking with certain sectors of society that were becoming comfortable with Mr Bainimarama’s plans for Fiji although they were feeling the pinch of a downturn in the economy.
“Small changes make certain differences for Fiji and we are watching with a lot of hope that the Commodore will begin to pave the way forward in his reform process. I believe in the end, he must conduct an early election because it will be good for Fiji,” Mr Yoshizawa said.
“I have also talked with the Commodore on a very engaging stance, given that Japan is beginning to notice the little differences the Commodore is creating for Fiji and its people. I am beginning to believe that the Commodore has a lot of sincerity in issues close to the heart of the people of Fiji."
The Ambassador also suggested that Mr Bainimarama speed up his reform process by engaging the people of Fiji through a referendum or a Constitutional assessment. “There must be a mechanism in place to sincerely ask for people’s opinion on what they want for the way forward. It could close up the gap of the reform process and allow for confidence in the Commodore’s plans.”
Mr Yoshizawa also expressed his hope that Fiji would participate in open dialogue with its diplomatic partners, particularly Australia and New Zealand. [abridged]
5 comments:
Now to get Australia and NZ to follow Japan's lead. This is a pretty straight forward endorsement of Frank's platform and will be one in the eye for his opponents. I'm surprised the Japanese ambassador has been so complimentary at the risk of offending the Aussies and the Kiwis. But the fact that someone of his stature says Frank's program has integrity and is starting to show benefits for ordinary people is a badly needed boost for the regime. Unfortunately, if the Japanese think there's any chance of an early election, I'm afraid they're destined to be disappointed.
Mr Yoshizawa is well placed and quite correct in all that he has had to say. His Excellency has shown that it is partners like Japan that Fiji requires to give support and encouragement now with proper governance initiatives that will quickly lead to improved service provision to the entire nation. No longer is it sufficient to turn the other cheek when people in Fiji have been so deprived of fundamental and basic services resulting from poor governance and corruption. Taxation and the monies derived from it must be used wisely, accountably and in the public interest. Never, ever again shall we tolerate the profligate waste of public money. 'Democracy' in Fiji never delivered Good Governance. So where does the argument lead now? So many disgraceful examples of greed and waste and abuse of public trust.
It comes to mind that Australia and New Zealand were as duped by two Laisenia Qarase led governments and one Interim Administration as we have all been by Tiger Woods. The antics of both are not dissimilar: deceitful, lacking in ethics, morality and trust (except that of their chosen consorts and hangers on) and profoundly bent upon having their own way - no matter the consequences. What a shambles - generated by those who dare to come out of the woods now? (Pun intended).... Too late!
An unadulterated March of Folly. But.....is it a criminal one?
the work that banimarama is starting to bear fruit!! THere is no siliver bullet in improving the Governance in a country like Fiji, erdicating corruption, institutionalised racism. It takes time and the benefits in Fij iare starting to show....
Good comments indeed from the Japanese Ambassador, but his bottom line again is DIALOGUE WITH THE FIJIan PEOPLE BAINIMARAMA, and get them to choose their own leaders.
Well, how is that even possible when Bainimarama keeps extending the PER, censoring reports like Father Barr's assessment of the budget etc.
This is why trying to engage with Bainimarama at this stage is more a monologue rather than a dialogue. And for that, it will keep prolonging the sufferings of the people of Fiji.
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