Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica called on former FBC chief executive Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to be responsible with his public statements after he suggested that “people would be bought and rules will be bent” to secure the passage of the proposed Constitution.
Speaking at the Fijian Media Association town hall meeting last night, Mr Kamikamica took exception to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s remarks, describing them as irresponsible and inflammatory.
“I just took exception to what Riyaz said because some of his comments were very irresponsible,” he said.
Mr Kamikamica rejected suggestions that the Government would manipulate the constitutional reform process, insisting that established procedures had been followed.
“If you look back from when we started this process to change the Constitution, we have not bent any rules. We have been following the process.”
He said the Government had initially attempted to secure the necessary parliamentary support for constitutional amendments but was unsuccessful.
“Number one, when we had the numbers, we tried to get it through Parliament the first time. We got voted down. We went to the Supreme Court.”
Mr Kamikamica said the Supreme Court subsequently delivered a favourable ruling on the constitutional amendment provisions, allowing the Government to continue pursuing reforms.
He urged participants to avoid making allegations that could mislead the public.
“I really take exception to what Riyaz said because this is the type of nonsense that we should not tolerate in this country.”
“We talk on facts, right? We talk fairly, but do not be inflammatory because what you say, a lot of people will pick it up and think it’s gospel.”
Mr Kamikamica directly appealed to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum to exercise greater responsibility when addressing matters of national importance.
“Please be responsible. Okay, you’re an adult, you’re a citizen of this country. I know you well, right?”
“So please be respectful and be factual.”
He maintained that the Government’s objective was constitutional reform and rejected suggestions of a hidden political agenda.
“Like I said, there is no other agenda but to change the Constitution. That’s the whole agenda.”
Mr Kamikamica said those opposed to the Government’s proposals would have an opportunity to express their views through a referendum if the Bill secured parliamentary approval.
“If you don’t like what the Government is doing, if we win, we successfully pass at the third reading, then wait for the vote at the referendum.”
