Ketan Lal’s US Embassy Mockery Unwarranted, Says Maharaj

It was unwarranted. That’s the message from senior Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, who also moved to distance the Opposition caucus from controversial remarks made by fellow MP Ketan Lal, who mocked the United States Embassy on social media.

“There was supposed to be a question on this in Parliament this week,” he said, “but we decided as the Business Committee not to ask it, as high-level negotiations are ongoing which could impact businesses and the people of Fiji. Any such statement in Parliament could ruin these negotiations.”

“These kinds of comments coming on social media are unwarranted,” Maharaj added.

He stressed that elected officials must exercise caution when commenting on international matters.

“In terms of our partnerships in the global arena, everyone should be considerate when making statements. We must talk as Fijians for Fiji and represent the best interests of our country and not with a political lens — so that at the end of the day, ordinary Fijians benefit, not suffer.”

Earlier this week, Duavata News reported that Lal, an Opposition MP, returned from a 20-day trip to China under the “2025 Programme for Youth Representatives from Pacific Island Countries.” The visit was hosted and fully funded by the Chinese government. Days later, Lal posted, “China burnt the US” in response to a social media post by the U.S. Embassy in Suva, an unprecedented attack on the US Embassy by a member of Parliament.

While unlikely to have an impact this time, there is a fear that such comments during important tariff negotiations could work against Fiji and, as a result, drive up the cost of living for ordinary Fijians.

Maharaj made it clear that Lal’s statement “cannot be taken as an official statement from the Opposition chambers”, emphasising that the post was made in a personal capacity and does not reflect the stance of the wider caucus.

Earlier, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu also distanced himself from Lal's "irresponsible" behaviour.

The government has yet to formally respond. Questions sent to Lal remain unanswered.