Independent Member of Parliament
I bring an engineer’s practical approach and a youth leader’s perspective to Parliament. My focus is simple: listen to people, stand for fairness and hold government to account.
“We are all Fijians.”
Equality. Fairness. One national identity.My story
I am Ketan Kirit Lal, a graduate civil engineer, former student leader and Member of Parliament of the Republic of Fiji.
Before national politics, I served as President of the Fiji National University Students’ Association. Working alongside students shaped my belief that leadership begins with listening, and that young people deserve a meaningful place in decisions that affect them.
I entered Parliament following the 2022 general election. After FijiFirst was deregistered, I chose to continue as an independent Member. In 2025, I stepped away from the G15 opposition grouping and its Deputy Whip and Shadow Minister for Justice roles.
My approach remains practical: understand the problem, examine the detail and keep asking what will make a real difference to families, workers and communities.
My work
The work of Parliament must connect with the lives of the people it serves.
That means questioning spending, scrutinising legislation and speaking up when public services fall short. It also means getting beyond the chamber and hearing directly from communities.
In August 2026, I joined public consultations in the Yasawa Islands on the Public Health (Amendment) Bill. Travelling between villages by fibre boat reinforced a simple conviction: distance should never decide whose voice is heard.
My priorities
I judge policy by its impact on everyday life: the cost of a household shop, a reliable public service, a fair opportunity and a safe community.
I am pressing for relief from the cost of food, fuel, medicine and school needs, including lower VAT and fuel taxes. Families, market vendors, taxi drivers and businesses should be heard before hardship deepens.
Fair pay matters too. Teachers and civil servants must receive the wages they have earned, on time.
I stand for common citizenship, equality before the law and fundamental rights. Constitutional reform must be transparent, open to scrutiny and give young Fijians a meaningful voice.
Public permits, including taxi permits, should follow clear legal criteria, safety standards and equal opportunity, never racial preference.
I want a comprehensive response to HIV and addiction: prevention, testing, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, alongside firm action against traffickers. Health programmes need evidence and clear safeguards.
On our roads and at sea, I call for proper investigations, transparent findings and passenger safety. Accountability must rest on facts, not stereotypes.
I ask direct questions about public spending and the way services are delivered. Government must explain decisions, address administrative failures and provide clear answers when people raise concerns.
Promises should be measured against results: household costs, dependable services and the responsible use of public resources.
I believe Parliament should go to the people. Whether in our towns or maritime villages, communities deserve the chance to shape legislation affecting their health, safety and daily lives.
My student-leadership background keeps youth participation close to my work. Politics should be a contest of ideas, never intimidation or ethnic division.
Our parks and shared facilities belong to everyone. Celebrations at places such as Albert Park should be planned with drainage, turf protection, waste management and restoration in mind.
Schools, athletes and families should return to a well-kept space, not be left with damage or an avoidable public bill.
People & connection
Sharing perspectives and welcoming dialogue are part of my work in Parliament.
With Huang Ruitian during his delegation’s visit to Suva in April 2026.
During the same visit, our conversations explored people-to-people exchange and practical cooperation between Fiji and China.
Get in touch
I welcome your questions, concerns and ideas. If an issue matters to your family or community, I want to hear about it.
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