Opposition MP Penioni Ravunawa says for a country that’s less than one million people, eight different political parties, it is impossible to remain politically neutral for members of the Great Council of Chiefs.
Responding to the call by GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula for members to relinquish any political affiliation if they intend to join the GCC, Ravunawa said that this sentiment may sound simple, but the reality is somewhat more complex in the diverse political landscape of our Fiji.
Ravunawa said the integrity of membership adhering to this call remains a challenge.
He said while we applaud the call for neutrality and decision-making based on the welfare of the nation rather than political bias, it is a challenging task, especially when politics is so intertwined with the day-to-day life of Fijians.
” This is bearing in mind the fact that chiefs, considered pillars of our society, are embroiled in the political discourse, the journey to non-partisan decision-making is an uphill task.”
“Even so, it’s essential that we strive towards this ideal, to live in a country where the needs and welfare of citizens triumph over political loyalties,” he said.
