Fiji: Getting it Right on ASK's "Sunset Clause"

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In a number of ongoing postings to Fiji groups on Facebook reference is often made to Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's "sunset clause" in which he is alleged to want to eliminate Taukei institutions. 

The now almost defunct blog Coupfourpointfive under the Hitler-inspired heading "Final Solution" writes  of "Bainimarama’s anti-Fijian policies driven by Khaiyum’s genocidal 'sunset clause' thesis on how to destroy Fijian cultural autonomy."

More recently, Lela Seruvakula writes of  "The reason for the stolen elections and SUNSET CLAUSE AGENDA... i.e., Dispossession and displacement or dismantling of any sovereignty that stands in the way of resource grab ..." 

A more partly balanced view was offered by a SODELPA candidate Niko Nawaikula who wrote: 

"Ethnic identity is important for how can we move froward or do anything for that matter without first knowing who we are. Our ethnicity defines us and the UN protects that self identification as our Human Rights under UNDRIP" 

With which few would disagree, and then he launches into FijiFirst:

"But the Fiji First Government is against it. It wants to create a new social order for Fiji by introducing its sunset clause measures to remove the things that bind us together as an ethnic group. To me, it is a form of ethnic cleansing. For instead of unity in diversity respecting ethnic identity , it wants equal citizenry that is devoid of ethnicity and ethnic referencing."  

With which others would disagree. He has misunderstood the context and argument of ASK's thesis which is strange for a lawyer. Click read here to download the thesis. 

This is what I wrote on the issue in the Fiji Sun four years ago.

Fiji Rumours: the A-G's Magic Ring, Chinese Needles in Fijians' Backsides; SODELPA's Dilemma over Candidate 503; Latest Poll Results

A Magic ring.  pn157

RUMOURS ABOUT FIJIFIRST. PM Bainimarama was asked by a talk show host about claims that the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum wore a ring that controlled him (Bainimarama). “According to the rumours," he replied, "when the A-G turned the ring he placed a big bad influence on me ... I said I have a ring too which contained the Lord’s prayer.”