19 Sep 2007

Fiji's Citizens Constitutional Forum condemns comments by former prime minister

10:35 am on 19 September 2007

The Citizens Constitutional Forum has condemned the former prime minister and 1987 coup leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, for advising the interim administration to abrogate the 1997 Constitution.

Mr Rabuka was quoted as saying that failure to abrogate the constitution would mean the deposed Qarase government could take legal action against the December coup.

He said the implementation of the interim government's People's Charter for Change and Progress could lead to the formation of a new constitution.

But the CCF's executive director, the Rev Akuila Yabaki, says Mr Rabuka's statement is irresponsible, illegal and unconstitutional.

The Rev Yabaki says the Constitution was passed unanimously by both houses of parliament when Mr Rabuka was prime minister and in an ideal world his statement would be investigated by police.

He says Mr Rabuka had claimed that the 1997 Constitution was his great achievement and he should defend the constitution, and not call for illegal action to remove it.