20 May 2002

Former Fiji PM says Indians have a bleak future unless the Labour Party is in Cabinet

7:37 am on 20 May 2002

The former Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, says the country's ethnic Indians have bleak future unless the Labour Party is included in the Cabinet.

In an interview with the Daily Post newspaper, Mr Rabuka has also warned that the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase's leadership style would destroy the whole nation in years to come.

He says as long as Mr Qarase refuses to work in a multi party Cabinet, the Indian community would continue to feel threatened.

Mr Rabuka also believes that power sharing is essential in a multi racial country like Fiji and Mr Qarase should be prepared to pay a price for his refusal to include Labour in the Cabinet.

He says if Mr Qarase changes and embraces the only Indian political leader who is visible now, there would be hope for Indians, otherwise they will continue leaving Fiji.