MELBOURNE (Radio Australia Pacific Beat/Pacific Scoop/Pacific Media Watch): A former sympathiser of the George Speight 2000 coup in Fiji has issued a challenge to Ratu Tevita Mara to reveal the details of his family's role in the Bainimarama coup.
Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure says it is all very well for Ratu Tevita Mara to encourage opponents of the regime to speak out while he shelters in the relative safety of Tonga.
Ratu Rakuita served a jail sentence for taking an oath of office and being sworn in as Justice Minister after the Speight coup and was also deregistered by the Fiji Law Society.
He was also a member of Parliament prior to the 2000 coup.
Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure has been a resident in Cook Islands since 2007.
Presenter:Geraldine Coutts
Speaker:Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, jailed for his role in the 2000 George Speight coup
VAKALALABURE: When I first heard of this matter in the local media it was very interesting to me because 2006 is a few years ago now. I'm surprised that [Ratu Tevita] has decided to leave Fiji now after being charged, rather than before, if he had disagreed with what he did and with what Frank [Bainimarama] had done in Fiji. Also importantly he's related to people who are in the current regime, the President and one other cabinet ministers, Ganilau and Nailatikau. He seems to be talking about Frank mostly, I think for him personally he has to start with his family and their role in 2006, because he is Ratu [Sir Kamisese] Mara's son - a statesman in our country and a former prime minister. But when these things are unfolding he seems to be just talking about Frank. I think he has to relate much closer to himself. I believe he has personally benefited himself, and also his family. And he should perhaps reveal more and indicate what his family has benefited from or has done since 2006.
COUTTS: So you think Ratu Tevita Mara's being disingenuous when he is heaping everything on Commodore Frank Bainimarama, but the microscope needs to go back on him and his family?
VAKALALABURE: Well, it raises that very important question. If he had disagreed with Frank say from 2008 or 2007, as you seem to be saying 2008-2009, why did he have to wait to come out once he's charged? He could have left any time earlier but he didn't. He seems to be calling for a rally by opposition parties, people in opposition to the current regime. I question how genuine that is.
COUTTS: Well, you're not living in Fiji at the moment, you're in the Cook Islands. Would you go back and rally the cause yourself?
VAKALALABURE: Well, in the present circumstances I think Frank is completely in control. He has the military with him and the police with him. There is not very much an individual, or even a foreign state, can do short of invasion.
COUTTS: Well, is it fair for you to make these charges about Ratu Mara when you won't go back and do the same thing you're asking him to do?
VAKALALABURE: I'm free to go to Fiji, I can visit my mother there, visit my father there, I can go in and out.
COUTTS: Yes, but I'm saying you're doing the same thing. It's very brave of you to speak from afar, because you're a resident in the Cook Islands now, rather than go home and say it there?
VAKALALABURE: Yes, I think speaking in Fiji is restricted. But I think what I'm saying in our discussion is that the statements that Uluilakeba is making now, I think it's got to be looked at from another perspective as well.
COUTTS: Well, it is self-interest and that's what you're saying?
VAKALALABURE: Well, I'm saying the question of self-interest arises in my eyes looking from here. It arises definitely.
COUTTS: Well, what do you think the role is that he and his family have played and continue to play?
VAKALALABURE: They are two former commanders who are now part of the current regime, and they are pivotal so to speak since 2006, [Ratu Epeli] Nailatikau is now the President. He was the former Speaker, and he's the father-in-law and a former military man just like Uluilakeba, and also Ganilau is a former military man, very close, served in the cabinet as well. They are very important roles I would assume, and I don't know, maybe he will disclose this in time but he hasn't seem to indicate anything.
COUTTS: Well, we know what the roles are of these generals and commanders that you've just mentioned post-2006, but what you're wanting to know is what their role was immediately leading up to 206 and during the coup?
VAKALALABURE: That's correct, that's correct.
COUTTS: Does anyone have the answers to those questions?
VAKALALABURE: I assume Uluilakeba would have answers or would be in the know, if there are charges against Frank, he has taken over the country, he's now the Prime Minister and Commander, there are other important personnel who are close family of his. What does [Ratu Tevita] have to say about that and reveal in his revelations?
COUTTS: Is this sour grapes on your part because you were also charged post the 2000 coup of George Speight for your role in it and signing on to that illegal government? Are you wanting these answers now because of the situation you're in?
VAKALALABURE: I think my situation has been dealt with. I faced my demons before the public in Fiji. I've answered for what I did. I don't think it's sour grapes, I think it's got to do with genuineness, because it's not fair to motivate people in the way that he seems to be causing now without him coming out clearly on these issues I'm raising, because it's a big call on the people of Fiji to say let's rally opposition to fight.
COUTTS: If you had your time over again would you do things differently after the George Speight coup?
VAKALALABURE: Definitely, if I had at all, I would have done things much more differently.
COUTTS: How so?
VAKALALABURE: The swearing-in of that government just happened almost within 24 hours after George Speight was in Parliament.
COUTTS: So you wouldn't have signed on as the Minister of Justice?
VAKALALABURE: Well, looking back now I wouldn't have done it.
COUTTS: So what do you think will be the wash-up of the 2006 coup once the election [has been held] and we're moving past the regime?
VAKALALABURE: I think the issue of 2006, even 2000 has to be subject of a proper commission of inquiry, who is being now in Fiji indicates political dissatisfaction in the country, so there is reason. I think a proper and thorough investigation with the assistance I think of the international community, friends of Fiji from the Commonwealth countries and from the region, to try and look at this issue and address them.
Pacific Media Watch
