I have always felt that public, commercial and community organisations should be as open as possible about their affairs. They need to be accountable to their owners, their customers, their members and communities and other interest groups.

The imputations are very serious and a direct question on my integrity and leadership. He said that the Fijian people should not be "misled" by the Prime Minister's claims that democracy was alien to Fiji.

Qarase is controversial because his policies promote indigenous Fijians over those of other racial heritages in Fiji]. He is the son of Josateki Mate of Mavana village.