13 Jul 2006

Dissident senior Fiji Labour Party members demand justice

4:18 am on 13 July 2006

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Five senior members of the Fiji Labour Party who are questioning their leader Mahendra Chaudhry's autocratic decision making are demanding justice.

It follows the refusal by Mr Chaudhry and party president Jokapeci Koroi to call a management board meeting despite repeated requests.

The five are cabinet ministers Poseci Bune, and Krishna Datt, MPs Felix Anthony and Agni Deo Singh and former senator Dr Atu Emberson-Bain who want a management board meeting to have open discussions about the issues facing the party.

Radio Legend quotes Mr Anthony as saying there is a situation in the Labour Party as a result of Mr Chaudhry's refusal to call a meeting and he should take full responsibility for whatever happens as a result.

Mr Chaudhry is reported to be contacting Labour's national council members to persuade them to take disciplinary action against the five, including their possible expulsion from the party.

But Mr Anthony says they are ready for Mr Chaudhry and if he convenes a meeting of the national council, it will hear from the dissident group too.

Mr Anthony says they are not about to leave the party and will fight the current injustice to the end.

Mr Anthony says Mr Chaudhry has been preaching that no-one is above the party but Mr Chaudhry should remember that he too is not above the party.