FORMER Vice President of Fiji Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has become the latest local to be hired as a consultant by the Constitution Commission.
This was confirmed yesterday by commission executive secretary Keshwa Reddy saying Ratu Joni was hired for short-term consultancy work.
Ratu Joni had presented a submission to the constitution commission for the Kubuna Confederacy covering issues from indigenous rights to the declaration of Fiji as a Christian nation.
Mr Reddy said although Ratu Joni had already made a submission to the commission, as a consultant, his views would still be analysed.
"The views of the consultant are important but it does not necessarily mean that the commission will accept it," Mr Reddy said
"If Ratu Joni has a view, what makes one think that we cannot change that whilst engaging him.
"This is positive thinking," he said.
He said Ratu Joni was hired as a consultant not only because of his esteemed legal prowess, but also because as a high chief in his own right, he provided valuable insight into iTaukei affairs.
"The commission views a general opinion of the people of Fiji.
"And of course what is best in the national interest is what the commission looks at," Mr Reddy said.
"We look at every individual as a contributor to the process, no discrimination whatsoever," he said.
Mr Reddy said Ratu Joni contributed a lot to the constitution in terms of writing papers and the commission felt it was only right to compensate him for his time.