Unscrupulous politicians are sowing seeds of mistrust for personal political benefit, leading to the perception of communal differences in Fiji.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said this yesterday morning in his speech at the opening of Parliament.

The President said he spent “several happy years” of his youth in Macuata with Indo-Fijian farming families during the sugarcane harvesting season.

He said the experience in his integrated community in Macuata taught him many important lessons in life, including hard work, respect for elders, and family unity.

“The two major ethnic communities in Fiji have always lived in harmony together,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“It is however, unfortunate that, some unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among our communities for their own political ends.

“This has led to the perception of communal differences within our society.”

The President urged Members of Parliament to continue to promote harmony and embrace diversity in our nation, and to lead by example.

“I would like to remind Members of Parliament the importance of respectful debate as it has an impact on inter-ethnic relations of our different communities. “As leaders, we are required to leave aside our differences for the common good of our people. We must focus on our shared destiny and commonality rather than our small differences.”