Qarase says: No Indian has right to become PM
Issue No: 1036 24 August 2001
Laisenia Qarase says that an ethnic Indian will not be accepted to become Prime Minister in Fiji. Qarase made the
comment on TV last night. He said that an ethnic Indian as PM will be accepted only in 20 to 30 years time, or maybe
even longer.
Qarase is the Leader of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL). The SDL was formed on encouragement by the Fijian
Holdings Ltd and numerous ethnic Indian businessman, most of who were involved in financing the terrorists.
Today the Fiji Sun has condemned Qarase for his racism. The paper's editorial states:
Rumblings by Laisenia Qarase that indigenous Fijians are not ready to entertain a non-Fijian Prime Minister is not
called for. It seems that he is advocating - or justifying in advance - a return to May 19 2000.
When a country is in a position that it is in now - in an adverse economical and social condition after last year's
events, the people only want someone who can redeem us from this position.
Only that someone - be he or she Fijian, Indian, Rotuman, Banaban, white or blue - should be a person if integrity,
industry, imagination and openness, with a willingness to listen to people.
He must be a person of character; honest and intelligent who is willing to respect the human rights of everyone and
recognise our common humanity. This is not only this paper's directive, it is God's directive written in the heart of
all people"
Today the Fiji Times has also hit out at Qarase and his minister for rampant corruption.
END