17 hrs · Suva, Fiji · Hon. Ashneel Sudhakar- Fiji First Party,
I am utterly disappointed with your comments recently regarding the Great Council of Chiefs.
Your comments are insensitive and disrespectful, unbecoming of a representative of the People. I am most disgusted with your continued belittling of Indigenous People and their interests, to make fun of our Chiefs, our institutions and practices - that is racism, and that, has no place in Fiji.
I suggest you apologize Hon Sudhakar!
My forefathers opened their land for persons of other races to come live and settle. I am proud that they chose to do that, and we continue to offer much respect for non-Indigenous peoples in Fiji. To read that a Indo-Fijian, [let alone a Member of Parliament], have so much hatred for our traditional governing systems and practices that revolve around the 'tanoa' as laughable and out-dated, is a racist remark!!.
We, the Indigenous of this Nation, do not require your approval to decide what is relevant and what isn't. We also do not need your accreditation, of what is a best qualified institution or what practices are to be used to engage our People.
Also I personally believe that our Chiefs should be engaged before we open our land to Climate Refugees. It is the most responsible thing to do, given that WE ARE THE INDIGENOUS of this LAND, and we DESERVE to be CONSULTED.
IF Fiji First clearly thinks that our Chiefs are unable to add to the fair application of the Law, I suggest they close shop, especially if they see it fit to throw Indigenous Institutions out the door without the prior and informed consent of the people.
I suggest to write an apology and consider resigning. This type of racist behavior is unbecoming of a young MP like yourself.
Peter Waqavonovono
Suva