Integrity, discipline and respect must guide Fiji’s leadership, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu told Members of Parliament as he officially opened the 2026 session yesterday.
Addressing the House, Ratu Naiqama issued a stark warning that Fiji’s multicultural diversity, while a national strength, requires deliberate effort from leaders to translate into unity.
He said unity must be consciously built through fellows, inclusive policies and respectful leadership, a shared commitment to the common good.
He urged MPs to focus on evidence-based debate and practical solutions, cautioning against personal attacks and political point-scoring that erode public trust.
“I urge all honourable members to approach their responsibilities with objectivity, discipline and respect.
“Greater freedom and parliamentary debate is the lifeblood of democracy, but it must be grounded in evidence with good reasons and practical solutions.
“Political rhetoric and personal attacks may generate momentary attention, but they erode public trust and distract from the real challenges facing our people.” Ratu Naiqama highlighted that global uncertainty places a heavier responsibility on national leaders to provide stability and direction.
“In a world marked by economic, environmental and geopolitical uncertainty, our citizens look to you, their leaders, for stability and vision.
“The tone you set in this House will shape not only public confidence today, but the health of our democracy tomorrow.” He concluded with a powerful reminder that leadership was a daily responsibility.
l Editorial Comment: P8
