FT: Prime Minister, many indigenous landowners like Areki Dawai of Suva have expressed concern about not fully understanding land laws — particularly the ‘six feet under’ and ‘20-centimetre ownership’ provisions.
What steps is the Government taking to ensure that iTaukei landowners are properly informed and educated about their land rights, especially regarding subsurface ownership and development?
PM: This is a very good question because it highlights a big gap in Fiji’s education curriculum since the colonial era — matters that affect our ordinary lives as Fijians. It must be introduced into the schools’ curriculum and made examinable subjects in schools together with constitutional issues, mineral and underground water and mineral rights, qoliqoli and fishing rights, UNFCCC regulations and obligations, UN Sustainable Development Goals, financial literacy, UN- CEDAW, UNDRIP and ILO Convention 169 etc — all life lessons
that women and men must grow up knowing and understanding. Numeracy and literacy skills are the foundations, but ‘life subjects’ I have pointed out above are equally important and meaningful as life continues in academic pursuit environments of just ordinary life journeys. On the other hand, ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse’, so each must educate oneself on the laws and rules that affect our lives. I am surprised that such an avid letter writer, as Mr Areki Dawai, does not spend time reading and learning about things that matter to his life as Itaukei.
FT: : Putting out Fires – Rakesh Chand Sharma, Nadi. The conduct of acting FCS commissioner reminds me of the Hindi expression; mast Sham masti mein, aag lage basti mein — jolly fellow Sham continuously enjoys himself while the settlement burns. I believe PM Rabuka will spend the rest of his term putting out fires started by his own appointees in his own administration.
PM: I thank Mr Rakesh Chand Sharma for his observation, but promise him and other like-minded observers that as we continue the firefight, there will be embers around that can start new fires. We will never give up! The allegation that the fires have been started by our own appointees is not totally correct, as some of the embers had been left there, and not put out by those who started the previous fires, and were ignited during our term! That can be correct, but all appointees applied and are supported by those who know them, however, those who are finally chosen are considered in accordance with the proper procedures and processes.
FT: Prime Minister, how do you respond to concerns that some of your appointees may be undermining public trust in Government, and what accountability measures are in place to ensure leadership standards are upheld?
PM: When these are brought to our attention, we correct the situation, sometimes by even terminating the appointments of errant appointees. Some have, and must be removed. No one is indispensable.
FT: Prime Minister, given the renewed call by the 131st Fiji Principals Association Conference for the return of corporal punishment in schools — citing concerns over rising indiscipline among students — does your
government intend to review the current ban on corporal punishment, and how will you balance this with Fiji’s commitment to child protection and international human rights obligations?
PM: Corporal punishment is a ‘doubleedged sword’ it is corrective and can also be seen as an acceptable way of dispensing punishment that can be taken up in all ages of society, including physical punishment to be acceptable escalating to domestic violence.
FT: Prime Minister, do you agree with concerns raised in some quarters that the proposed ‘Fijians First Party’ should not be registered due to the similarity of its name to the now-defunct ‘FijiFirst party’? Could you explain the reasons for your position?
PM: That is to be a decision taken by the people or political parties who may wish to register their protest to the Supervisor of Elections and the Fijian Elections Office.
FT: You’ve said you’re ready to break the coalition agreement, have formal steps been taken to initiate this process?
PM: No, but recent complaints, which are being investigated by the chairman of PSC, from civil servants in
the Ministry of Education, have forced me to relook at the Coalition agreement. The very recent ‘broadside’ attack on DPM Kamikamica and his trade mission to Tonga, is also very disturbing.
FT: Do you believe SODELPA’s criticisms of the trade mission to Tonga were politically motivated? PM: I do not care whether it is politically motivated or not, the criticisms have been made.
FT: Have you spoken directly to Aseri Radrodro or Viliame Takayawa since the comments were made?
PM: No, nor do I intend to.
FT: What impact would dissolving the coalition have on the government’s majority and policy agenda?
PM: Those remaining will still be in the majority.
FT: Would you consider forming a new coalition if SODELPA is removed?
PM: No, there will be no need to.
FT: Do you feel the Coalition Government has been cohesive up until now, or have there been ongoing tensions?
PM: We have been managing, but we need to do better for the remaining time in Parliament.
FT: Is your disappointment limited to the party leadership, or do you feel the SODELPA caucus as a whole has become uncooperative?
PM: The Party.
FT: Can this rift still be repaired or is the partnership beyond saving?
PM: We can repair and continue to limp along, or we sever the problem and run freer with the rest.
