'The process of electing members of Parliament to represent the people is at the heart of western democracy. Fiji courts are also part of an independent judicial system which is firmly rooted in western democracy. The basic civil lesson that our children learn in school is that democracy is a government of the people, by the people, for the people ... Mr Qarase should answer whether he wants the western system of governance which allows him to be prime minister or the Fijian tradition which requires the chiefs to rule by virtue of their birthright and rank. Otherwise, he is just being hypocritical to save face.' (4 September 2005, reacting to a speech made by Qarase at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on 29 August, claiming that democracy was alien to Fiji).

'Race is a fact of life and is not a problem unless people make it out to be so.' (2003)

'We are here today, not so much as to launch a political party but more so and more importantly we are here today to project a vision that will inspire hope.'

'For too long, we have allowed fear to dictate our politics and suspicions, to shape how we perceive other communities.'

With hindsight, the Samoa system with appropriate modifications ought to have been adopted. The complete acceptance of western democratic structures, apart fro…

'Democracy is a means of achieving a higher level of individual and collective gratification, welfare, peace, stability and prosperity. It is not an end in its…

(When) the people of the land no longer have the power to select and install their leaders, the chiefs lose their mana or power.