Media reports that the party is very well funded. One newspaper wrote: "If there is one thing Mr. Qarase's party does not lack then it is money". Another paper, which endorsed Qarase often, wrote: "Where is the money coming from for the launch of this new party…. Who paid for the buses and who is funding it? It is to do with LQ [Laisenia Qarase] and Ata Baba [Hari Punja] having a party at Suva's oldest restaurant along with others".

It is widely known that immediately after usurping power, Qarase reversed the government's rice policy thereby enriching the Punja controlled rice company by millions of dollars and in the process continuing to destroy the local rice industry. Qarase was on board of Punja's company.

It is now getting clear that the major financiers of the SDL and Qarase are the Fijian Holdings Group, and ethnic Indian businessmen.

Qarase was the Managing Director of the state owned Fiji Development Bank for many years. During this period, numerous questionable financial deals were made between the Bank and numerous clients. It is widely known that in his position as the Managing Director of the Bank, Qarase had cultivated a string of highly corrupt and crony relationship with many ethnic Indian businessmen. Some of these businessmen reportedly funded the terrorists to depose the elected government. Qarase is now relying on these businessmen to fund his party. Launching his party, Qarase stated: I have personally received numerous requests to continue in a leadership role and to seek election to parliament." It is understood that other than from Lau, the requests came largely from the ethnic Indian business community.

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
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Last update: August 27, 2001