Frankly speaking [1]
Friday, March 6, 2009 - 15:52. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:26.
One of Fiji's most experienced diplomats says coup leader Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's military background makes it difficult for him to accept advice.
Speaking to ABC Radio this week, Ratu Isoa Gavidi said this contributed greatly to the uncertainty of how the interim government was run.
Ratu Isoa, who resigned in January as permanent secretary of Foreign Affairs after just a few months in the job over what was reported to be a clash with Commodore Bainimarama, also questioned if the Pacific Island Forum was as effective as it could be or whether it needed a review.
He said there was blunt talking between Forum member countries toward Fiji as calls for a return to democracy were ignored by the regime.
"Currently I think there is a lot more hype in the media," he said.
"I mean there is a lot more talk, some could say straight talking instead of trying to be euphemistic about things, you are just saying what you want to say, because that is what you think should happen and I think that's a new development altogether.
"Sometimes it may sound harsh. It's really a total new development in the forum that borders on what you call diplomatic niceties are now crossed. Leaders of the forum are now saying exactly what they think."
Ratu Isoa said in his personal view Commodore Bainimarama was a military man and his perspective and perception of things were based on his military background, whereas a lot of the other political leaders came from different walks of life.
"So I think this is part of where the problem is," he said.
"It's just two different experiences leading to clashes between leaders."
Ratu Isoa said Commodore Bainimarama's role dealing with diplomacy issues as opposed to being a military man was a challenge.
"Because the military is basically top down, it's hard to start dealing with issues when people give you their own opinion and what their views are which may differ from yours," he said.
Ratu Isoa agreed that part of the problem faced by a military government was the culture clash.
"Some of us have been brought through the bureaucracy, like in my case, my job is to provide advice, give options, whereas with the military, its viewpoint is given to you I think you are expected to obey it.
"I think this is causing quite a lot of uncertainty in the way the Government is being run at the moment," he said. fijitimes, 05/03/09.