EDITORIAL COMMENT | When we live together! - Voice of Asia - Telling Stories from Asia to the World!

Fiji's Attorney-General, Graham Leung, believes that Fiji has experienced trials in its pursuit of racial harmony. Although the country was once on the brink of a precipice, it ultimately did not fall.

Mr. Leung shared his views as a guest at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event held at the Vunimono Community Hall in Nausori. He stated that building greater racial harmony in Fiji is an ongoing endeavor.

Mr. Leung frankly stated, "We have sometimes failed each other and failed ourselves as a nation." He reviewed some of the racial incidents in Fiji's history, such as the events of 1987, 2000, and 2006, as well as some of the worst riots. "Our country has been severely tested at times, we were once on the edge of a precipice, but we did not fall."

He emphasized that this is largely due to the goodwill of the majority of ordinary people in the country. "We have managed to maintain, to a large extent, the social order and harmony that we know." However, these periods of lawlessness have hindered our progress, damaged race relations, and eroded trust between different communities.

Mr. Leung further pointed out that Fiji is a truly multi-racial country, and although politicians may try to create division, the harmonious coexistence of people is evident. He called on everyone to reflect on their daily interactions with people of different ethnicities, such as neighbors, passengers on buses, diners in restaurants, and customers in barbershops. The airport staff in Denarau and the tourists enjoying their holidays in the Mamanuca Islands all exemplify the harmonious coexistence of people of different ethnicities.

Mr. Leung believes that the people of Fiji have accepted each other, and life revolves around mutual acceptance. Everyone lives side by side and celebrates different religious festivals together, because they have lived in such an environment since childhood. Even when disputes arise in public, after expressing their dissatisfaction, people still return to a state of mutual acceptance because they have many friends of different ethnicities and have grown up with them since childhood, sharing each other's lives.

Mr. Leung concluded that Fiji is a multi-racial country and is unique in a way. As he said, everyone has contributed to Fiji's rich and colorful culture and will continue to do so. "Our land is not only a place where various cultures coexist, but these cultures uniquely influence and shape Fiji." He emphasized that Fiji must never become a country where anyone feels like a stranger.

Mr. Leung finally stated that when Fijians meet overseas, regardless of their ethnic background, they feel a connection and a sense of belonging. He hopes that Fiji can continue to live together peacefully and harmoniously in a unique way.