Fiji’s Adi Kuini backs Baba to replace Chaudhry

SUVA, Fiji (PINA Nius) — Mahendra Chaudhry, ousted in Fiji’s May 19 coup, should not return as prime minister, says his deputy Adi Kuini Speed.

Referring to Mr. Chaudhry as “former prime minister,” Adi Kuini said the situation in Fiji would worsen if he returned.

“I do not think it’s wise and I think the former prime minister should use good sense and realize that it is going to be very unstable if he returns as PM,” she said.

“I admit I did not like him being away when the ruling was made and the other thing is that he chose to go to India.”

Mr. Chaudhry returned to Fiji from India over the weekend.

Adi Kuini said: “We didn’t expect our leader to be so insensitive. When he did that, I told myself this man should not return as PM. He was away at the most critical time.

“What he showed was total insensitivity to the potential danger his own Indo-Fijian people could have faced here while he was making such statements overseas.”

She was referring to the Fiji Court of Appeal ruling last week that the 1997 constitution is still the law and interim government is not legal.

The interim government had appealed against the High Court ruling.

The interim government was formed with the backing of the indigenous Fijian Great Council of Chiefs and Fiji Military Forces after widespread unrest and violence last year. It included the Fiji Labour Party-led government – and Mr. Chaudhry – being taken hostage.

The takeover of parliament and hostage taking came amidst a protest march through Suva by indigenous Fijians, and was followed by looting and burning of Indian-owned businesses. The military, on May 29, declared martial law to stop the growing deterioration in law and order.

Adi Kuini said in being away in India at the time of the court decision Mr. Chaudhry forgot about his role as a leader, especially his responsibilities to the Indian community.

“He was totally blind. I understand he was affected psychologically but if you are a leader, in this case prime minister, Mr. Chaudhry should have risen above his self hurts and served the interests of the nation.”

She supported the idea that Dr. Tupeni Baba, her co-deputy prime minister and like her an indigenous Fijian, should be the next prime minister.

“I believe Dr. Baba, who is the more senior deputy prime minister than I, should lead the government.

“He has a more conscientious approach to the leadership required. This is something the Labour Party lacked.”

Dr. Baba, meanwhile, declared his readiness to take on the role of prime minister in a government of national unity.

Dr. Baba also said Parliament should be recalled first and a prime minister appointed before the Great Council of Chiefs confirms Ratu Josefa Iloilo as president.

Dr. Baba said this would save any legal challenge to the position and prevent further crisis. “Under Section 90 of the Constitution, the GCC has to consult with the prime minister on the president’s position,” he said.