News Spot Fiji

12/07/2026

Mahendra Chaudhry was removed from office not because he failed Fiji, but because he was an Indo-Fijian Prime Minister. That is a reality many still find uncomfortable to acknowledge.

Ignore the noise and revisionist narratives. Fiji’s political history has shown that many believe only an iTaukei should lead the country. Whether people agree or disagree, that perception has shaped our politics for decades.

As Indo-Fijians, we also need to recognise this difficult reality. The events of 2000 made it painfully clear how fragile our democracy was.

In an interview with Radio New Zealand after the 2000 coup, George Speight openly stated that Indians “don’t know where to stop.” Those words reflected the mindset that fuelled the coup and the actions of those who supported it.

We must never forget the damage that coup inflicted - not only on democracy, but on families, communities, investor confidence, and Fiji’s future. Its consequences were felt for years.

We should be careful not to glorify or celebrate those responsible for undermining democracy. If we continue to elevate coup figures into the political spotlight, we risk sending the message that seizing power through unlawful means carries no lasting consequences.

Fiji deserves better. Fiji deserves leaders chosen by the ballot box, not by force.

Change for the good of Fiji. 🇫🇯

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has rejected George Speight’s claims that the 2000 coup was sparked by dissatisfaction with the policies of the Labour-led coalition government.

Mr Chaudhry said the government had strong public backing at the time of its removal and had introduced significant economic and social reforms during its short period in office.

His comments come after Mr Speight appeared before the Constitutional Review Commission on Thursday, where he said his actions leading to the 2000 coup were influenced by events during the first year of the coalition government.

Mr Speight told the commission that he was unhappy with developments during the 365 days following the coalition’s election victory in 1999, particularly legislation and Bills that were introduced during that period.

Credit: Fiji Times

https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/reveal-the-coup-plotters-flp-leader-dismisses-speights-claim/

20/01/2026

Bula FC remains silent on questions over appointments, contracts and funding

Questions sent to Bula FC management regarding the running of Fiji’s first-ever professional football club remain unanswered, despite growing public interest and concern.

Duavata News asked Bula FC to explain how Fiji Football Association (West) Vice President Nazia Ali-Krishna was appointed as Acting Chief Commercial Officer of the club.

We also sought clarification on the value of the playing contract awarded to team captain Roy Krishna, as well as details on how the club’s kit and merchandising contract was awarded to RK21, a company linked to Krishna.

Further questions were sent asking how much of the club’s operations are funded by FIFA, and for an account of how that funding has been utilised.

Duavata News also asked whether Ms Ali-Krishna’s nephews have been appointed to key positions within the club, including the role of team manager, and the general recruitment procedures at the club.

Additional questions were sent seeking clarification on who owns Bula FC, the club’s shareholding structure, and how the entity is governed.

Thousands of Fijians are now awaiting answers to understand how the club is being run, particularly given Bula FC’s frequent public messaging around patriotism and national pride. As Fiji’s first professional football club, questions of transparency and accountability remain central to public confidence in the organisation.

The Fiji Football Association has made their stance clear and have stated that Bula FC is managed seperately from the association.

Nazia Ali-Krishna is the founder of the former publication Mai Life Magazine and later emerged as a proposed political candidate for the now-deregistered FijiFirst Party, but had to drop out after she did not meet the requirements to contest the 2018 General Election under the FEO Act.

As of publication, no responses have been received from Bula FC management.

Please note, we are not suggesting that anything wrong has been done, but rather, we seek clarity in the name of public interest.

Picture Source: The Fiji Times