Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s mocking of the intelligence of those singing bhajans is a gross insult to them, said National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad.
Professor Prasad said Sayed-Khaiyum’s treatment of bhajaniyas as being politically deficient and unsuitable for parliament isn’t only an example of superiority complex on his part, but also racist and highly demeaning to the Indo-Fijian community.
He said no amount of defence by Sayed-Khaiyum that members of other religions including the i-taukei or our Muslim community recite bhajans can even attempt to erase the indisputable fact that the Fiji First general secretary and Attorney-General has tried to crush with disdain, a significant element of Hinduism and Sanskrit.
The NFP Leader said no matter who recites a bhajan, it is mainly based on Hindu religious scriptures namely the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita.
He said bhajans are about reverence and those singing them are reciting religious scriptures of which they have vast knowledge.
“The NFP has two candidates namely Amitesh Jeet and Shiudayal Sharma who are renowned bhajaniyas. Both are former civil servants and well- known entrepreneurs. One of them, Mr Sharma, is considered to be the King of bhajaniyas in Fiji and held in very high esteem both locally and abroad”.
“For Sayed-Khaiyum to trash the intelligence of those singing bhajans and basically describing them as being unsuitable for Parliament is derogatory, demeaning and a gross insult not only to the bhajaniyas but the Indo-Fijian community at large.”
“As the chief lawmaker of Fiji, Sayed-Khaiyum must surely know that under a constitutional rule, people have an inherent and fundamental right to practice their religion and to vote and contest a general election without fear, favour or ridicule from anyone about the suitability of their candidacy.”
“Everyone knows Sayed-Khaiyum’s drama, theatrics, intellectual dishonesty and ability to interpret the laws and regulations to his liking.”
“But this time he has gone too far in his desperation to save both his leader and himself from inevitable crushing at the hands of voters on 14th December.”
“By displaying his ridicule and contempt, Sayed-Khaiyum has shown his true colours as a person totally lacking any morals and ethics in his last gasp attempt to cling onto power.”
“Worse, he is shamelessly unapologetic about his disparaging remarks.”
“Unfortunately for Sayed-Khaiyum and his equally desperate leader, the voters of Fiji will provide the appropriate response to his treachery”.
Professor Biman Prasad [Vote 427]
Leader