Now we are talking!
When Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua spoke about the Fiji Military Forces and the rule of law, he was echoing the thoughts of quite a lot of Fijians.
It’s encouraging to hear that we are progressing toward a future where the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will never again be manipulated to serve the interests of individuals or groups operating outside the law or against the will of the people.
It may not be a walk in the park, but it’s the way to go!
Think about it. Think about the damage done by coups that brought our lives to a standstill. Think about the impact coups have had on our economy, on our industries and on our lives. Think about how that has translated to changes in mindsets, and how that has impacted the way we live our lives now.
Think about the challenges we were forced to go through as a nation after the 1987, 2000 and 2006 coups.
They changed the dynamics.
Now Mr Tikoduadua is reassuring us that we have nothing to fear from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
He says he has full confidence in the institution and its leadership.
He expressed unwavering trust in the commander, officers, soldiers and sailors of the RFMF to continue conducting themselves with professionalism, guided by the rule of law and democratic principles.
On whether Government continues to see the possibility of any conspiracy to overthrow the Government as a concern, Mr Tikoduadua acknowledged that the future cannot be predicted with certainty.
However, he stressed that the nation is moving in the right direction to ensure the RFMF is never again used to promote unlawful interests or undermine the will of the people.
He maintained that the force remains a disciplined and professional institution committed to national service and the protection of our democracy.
Fiji, he said, has made steady and purposeful progress over the past three years in strengthening democratic governance.
The role of the RFMF is clear.
It is to uphold and defend the Constitution, while respecting the will of the people and the Government they have elected through democratic processes.
Our shared national commitment to this course is reflected in both the National Security and Defence Review and the National Security Strategy, which reaffirm the RFMF’s constitutional responsibilities within a modern democratic state.
When all is said and done, we know the people want many things.
Our nation needs reassurance first up! It needs a sense of order built on good governance, respect for rights, adherence to the rule of law, and a commitment to wellbeing, peace and security.
We say voices must be heard, and the masses must have a say in the governance of our nation. Decisions must take into account the needs and aspirations of the people.
At the end of the day, we all want to live in peace and harmony, in a nation that embraces democratic ideals and empowers us to participate in shaping how we are governed.
We know the police and the military have important roles to play in the mechanics of national development. We recognise this, and we must also have confidence that the men and women in uniform understand and value their responsibility as guardians of the Constitution and protectors of peace.
In a Fiji that places great value on freedom of opinion, peace and security, we say the military’s greatest strength will lie in restraint, in integrity, and in the commitment to uphold democracy and safeguard the rights of every citizen!
