“Communal franchise is wrong in principle and harmful in practice; the time has come in Fiji for all races to get out of the thin water-tight compartments and start thinking in terms of residents of Fiji.”

Statement in defense of common roll (1929).

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A.D. Patel5

Fijian politician 1905–1969

A.D. Patel (1905–1969) Fijian politician

During 1964 budget debate, he called for the establishment of a university in Fiji.

“"Fiji can make a similar report on the US on all those issues. Our report would be far worse than the US state department's report on Fiji." (2 March 2005, reacting to a US State Department report critical on the state of race relations in Fiji).”

Laisenia Qarase (1941) Prime Minister of Fiji

Miscellaneous quotes

“We all need to embrace broad principles that accommodate the rights and aspirations of all the people of Fiji. Only then will peace and harmony prevail.”

Koila Nailatikau (1953) Fijian politician

Senate speech, 24 August, 2005 (excerpts)

“As a loving religious and caring nation the spiritual dimension of our resolve is to exercise restraint, goodwill, tolerance and understanding with all races in Fiji.”

Epeli Ganilau (1951) Fijian politician

New Year message, 02 January 2006

“I think it would be a pity if Chaudhry brushed aside majority Fijian opinion on a major issue. He has done this before and it will be a sad day for Fiji if he does that again this time.”

Laisenia Qarase (1941) Prime Minister of Fiji

Additional remarks about the proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission, Response to continuing opposition to the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, 30 July 2005

“Indo-Fijians have a good future in Fiji but unfortunately they are being ill-advised, their community leaders lack good leadership.”

Hari Punja (1936) Fijian businessman

Interview with World Investment News http://www.winne.com/fiji/vi04.html, 21 January 2003 (excerpts)

“Whether some people like it or not, Fiji is already a multiracial society. We have different races, but that does not mean we should only work for the good of our own race. We have to truly understand one another, learn each other’s languages, and truly work together. There is huge potential in Fiji, and we would be amazed to see what we will achieve, if we work together.”

Epeli Ganilau (1951) Fijian politician

NAPF convention, 17 December 2005