THE recommendations in the Constitutional Review Commission’s report reflect views put forward by Fijians who made the effort to participate in the review process, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said while urging the public to approach the findings calmly and respectfully as Cabinet considers the way forward.
“It’s not the government yet,” Mr Rabuka said.
“It’s the views of the people who made the effort to submit their views.”
He stressed that the recommendations should not be interpreted as Government policy or decisions.
“These are recommendations, not decisions of Government.
“Cabinet will now carefully consider what has been proposed before determining the way forward.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come as public debate intensifies over the report, particularly its recommendation on Fiji’s status as a secular state.
Mr Rabuka acknowledged the concern but said his Christian faith should not be interpreted as support for a division of Fijians along religious lines.
“My Christian faith is well known. But I have said previously that simply declaring Fiji a Christian state is not what makes us Christian.
“Christianity should be reflected in the way we live — through humility, kindness, compassion, hard work, service and love for one another.”
He said people of all faiths had an important place in Fiji and should feel secure in practising their religion.
Mr Rabuka also urged political leaders to be measured in their response and warned against misinformation and inflammatory commentary online.
