Fiji Opposition MP Sachida Nand has reaffirmed his support for the Coalition Government’s proposed constitutional amendment, stating that the current 2013 Constitution is too rigid and was not subjected to meaningful public consultation.
Speaking in Parliament, Nand, who supported the Government’s proposal for the first reading last week, said, “The importance of the Constitution in the governance and future of Fiji cannot be understated. However, we must recognise that no Constitution should be inscribed in stone. It must be a living document, one that evolves with the needs, aspirations, and values of the people it governs.”
His remarks come amidst ongoing debate about the Coalition Government’s motion to amend the 2013 Constitution, which was enacted under the previous administration.
Nand argued that the Constitution, which requires a 75% majority in both Parliament and a national referendum to be amended, makes any changes “excessively difficult, if not almost impossible to achieve.”
He also criticised the process through which the 2013 Constitution was adopted, claiming that the Fijian public had only two weeks to provide feedback before it was implemented. “Is that really sufficient time for the people of our nation to engage meaningfully in the process of a document as important as our Constitution?” he asked.
The proposed amendments faced opposition from the other side of the house, who argued that the government’s initiative could undermine citizens’ rights. However, Nand dismissed these concerns, asserting that the process would be conducted transparently and with public input.
“The people will not be excluded from the process,” he assured Parliament. “They will have an opportunity to participate actively in the discussion and decision-making process.”
He also addressed criticism directed at him personally after being labeled a “snake” for supporting the government’s motion.
“I respect the right of individuals to express their opinions,” he said, “but let me ask—who is the real snake? The one who …makes a decision based on principle, or is it one who lies low, waits for an opportunity, and then grabs whatever benefit comes their way like a coward or opportunist.”
Nand urged his colleagues and the public to support the motion.
“We must not allow ourselves to be bound by a Constitution that was imposed upon us without adequate consultation,” he said. “Let us work together to create a Constitution that is truly by the people, for the people.”
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