New Fiji president on hopes for the role
The new Fiji president, Jioji Konrote, says as a father figure to the nation, his main priority is to ensure the people remain united.
Transcript
The new Fiji president, Jioji Konrote, says as a father figure to the nation, his main priority is to ensure the people remain united.
Mr Konrote, who was sworn into office last week, was the employment and industrial relations minister until a month ago when parliament elected him as the new head of state.
He had earlier had a military career and then served as Fiji's High Commissioner to Australia.
Our correspondent Vosita Kotoiwasawasa asked Mr Konrote about what got him into politics.
JIOJI KONROTE: When I was part of the Qarase government you know, you have to bear in mind the fact that I was the only other independent member... And I was appointed the minister of State which is an assistant minister. Personally it was quite disappointing because I believe I could have helped government in many regards and when they posted me back to Home Affairs I was familiar with it because I used to run that ministry as a permanent secretary, but I went back as a deputy. But I can't say that I enjoyed my time, five months. It was sad you know, I had wanted so much to help. I guess I can talk about it now because politics being politics, it was very disappointing and I regretted having got into Politics. After the coup of 2000, I went back to Rotuma for the very simple reason, I could not be involved in the interim government or be actively involved with the Bainimarama-led government after the events of 2006 because of the sanctions. I had two sons who had just come out of flying school and had just started their flying career. If I had gone back, they would have been out of work because their visas would have been cancelled, been revoked. So I told the prime minister now, I said, as much as I want to help the government, please excuse me. So I went back to Rotuma to the chiefs and we did community work for eight years. Until they lifted the sanctions and that's when I came back.
VOSITA KOTOIWASAWASA: So what was the first thing on your mind when you were informed that you would be the prime minister's nomination for president?
JK: I was very surprised. And knowing the prime minister, I mean we have worked together for many years and I respect him.
VK: There has been mixed reactions to your winning the nomination for the presidency. What are your thoughts?
JK: I don't read the Facebook comments, you know, or the social media. You know I read some comments, certainly the nomination and what happened in parliament is now history. I guess people are not used to the fact that, they were expecting one of our paramount chiefs.
VK: What do you think is the most important thing when you take up your role as president?
JK: It's to keep the community and all Fijians united as a nation, as a people, and we continue to move the country together as opposed to pulling in different directions. And I believe that despite all our differences, our different perceptions about what life is all about, I'm convinced over the years as a soldier, as a diplomat, as a parliamentarian that Fiji is unique in many respects. At the end of the day we have enough goodwill, enough tolerance, to come together as a nation.
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