It was refreshing to hear Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua declare no one is getting dragged off by soldiers anymore. He made no bones about the position he has taken, and pulled no punches at the National Federation Party AGM on Saturday in Rakiraki.
“No soldiers are coming to take you to camp!” he said. The declaration was in response to a backdrop of misinformation and should serve as a reassuring reminder of the progress made since the dark days of suppression and intimidation.
Reflecting on criticism and fake news, he insisted that open debate, even uncomfortable ones, were part of a healthy democracy.
“There are people that take advantage of the situation and then enjoy politicking and all they do is to rubbish people. There are politicians and political parties that thrive on that.”
This statement by the minister is a reminder about where we are at right now. It’s a departure from an era of fear and repression, and offers hope for all those people who fought for freedom of expression and democracy!
Let’s face it, we are far removed from a period of our history when civilians were arrested and taken up to the military camp!
Our journalists weren’t immune from this harassment over the years.
One of our senior journalists was arrested five times, and thrown into a cell three times for stories that appeared in The Fiji Times during those years of suppression and media laws!
One of our bureau chiefs was harassed in front of staff by soldiers at our West Bureau and a senior staff was arrested by soldiers in the middle of the night and taken to face a bloody and bruised unionist he had interviewed earlier. Our journalists were intimidated when attending events up at the army camp in Nabua, Suva, and photographers sworn at by top people in government during assignments over that period!
So we do know about what went down over the years prior to the elections of 2022! We do know about threats and intimidation stemming from the top hierarchy of government and the security forces!
In the face of all that, and much more that we have had to endure, Mr Tikoduadua makes a very powerful statement!
In saying that, it is encouraging to see the military leadership taking a constructive approach in our evolving democracy. Military commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai was concerned by the COI Report, especially its processes. He had his reasons. His decision to follow proper channels, communicating his concern to his line minister, and later meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka would have been seen as placing value on governance, dialogue and constructive criticism!
As Mr Tikoduadua said, open debate, even uncomfortable ones, are part of a healthy democracy.
Let’s reflect on the past, and look to the future with great hope. Let’s reflect on the strides we have made and remain vigilant against forces that may seek to undermine our freedoms.
The spirit of democracy is alive! But we also have a role to nurture this through dialogue, respect and a commitment to accountability!
One of our challenges right now is going to be on how we ensure there is transparency, fairness and accountability, especially holding power to account! Let’s build on an inclusive society that values the voices of every citizen!
