PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s warning to members of the disciplined forces to uphold the laws of our nation must be heeded.
Those entrusted to uphold the law must not become perpetrators of crime he said.
Highlighting what he termed growing concerns about alleged misconduct within enforcement agencies, he acknowledged on Fijian Broadcasting Corporation News the possibility that some officers could be involved in illegal activities, stressing the need for vigilance at the highest levels of command.
The responsibility to address such issues, he said, rested heavily on the leadership of the police and military.
The heads of the military and the police, he said, must maintain strict oversight of officers under their authority and to protect the reputation of their institutions.
In the face of that, Mr Rabuka warned that the actions of a few individuals could damage public trust.
Public confidence in the forces, he warned, was at risk if decisive action was not taken.
It is encouraging to read about this.
And we say, it is the way to go.
The heads of the security forces have a duty to uphold the laws of our nation.
That means ensuring every officer is aware of their responsibility and duty to the nation.
They must also be aware of the expectations from the people.
However, we do accept that we are all humans and we cannot ignore the fact that sometimes we may be swayed by emotions and circumstance.
This is when true character is tested.
And that calls for discipline, commitment and passion to uphold the rules of engagement and the law.
It means self-discipline and standing firm in the face of temptation. In this war against drugs and organised crime, there is a need for strong men and women who cannot be swayed easily.
Our security forces need them.
However, we also must accept that upholding the law includes protecting the very people it is meant to serve.
Loyalty, too, will be tested.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Land Force Commander Brigadier General Onisivoro Covunisaqa emphasised there was no room for division in the army.
Unity is important and allegiance to duty must remain absolute.
Loyalty, he said, was not something to be negotiated, and any breach of that trust would be dealt with strongly.
We say we are at a crossroads.
In the face of all this, the choices made by those in uniform today will shape public trust tomorrow.
This is when officers in our security forces must decide whether to stand firm in their duty or yield to the pressures of organised crime.
There is no middle ground!
