Bula
Three stories make the front page of The Fiji Times for Monday, March 10.
THE debate to make changes to the 2013 Constitution resumes in Parliament today and the Opposition is ready to go head to head with Government if it sees it stepping out of line to reach its goal. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said they would keep Government in check if they feel they were not working within the law while working towards amending Fiji’s supreme law.
DETERMINED in her pursuit for justice, former Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, has filed criminal proceedings against Alexandra Forwood in Australia, with plans to do the same against Victor Lal in the UK. Speaking to The Fiji Times, Ms Tabuya confirmed that she lodged her complaint at Parramatta Police Station in Sydney.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that a lack of full co-operation from certain government agencies and individuals has delayed the inquiry into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
Synopsis
DEFENCE Minister Pio Tikoduadua believes the National Security Strategy cannot be just another policy document. It is a blueprint for the future of our security!
The strategy, he said, represents a shift from a reactive approach to a proactive strategy.
It ensures security is not just about responding to threats, but about building resilience in national institutions, communities and national identity.
It was a commitment to a safer and stronger, and just Fiji.
“Our vision for Fiji’s security is clear. It is about building a nation where every Fijian feels secure, not only from crime or external threats, but from division, exclusion and the uncertainty that comes when institutions fail to serve the people,” he said.
Thus, security, he said, was not simply the presence of law enforcement or military forces, instead it was about ensuring every Fijian, regardless of background, ethnicity or status, feels valued, protected and included.
“That is why, I have always believed that national security and national unity go hand in hand.”
A country divided along racial lines, he said, economic or political lines, was not a strong country.
“A nation where people feel marginalised or unheard is not a stable nation, and a Fiji where democracy is undermined by force, by fear or by exclusion, is not a secure Fiji.”
“There have been times in our history where the Republic of Fiji Military Forces were used to undermine democracy, rather than protect it.
“In 1987, in 2000 and in 2006, our military was drawn into political affairs and used as a tool to silence opposition, rather than uphold the will of the people.”
The country, he said, could not heal “if we do not acknowledge the past”.
“We cannot move forward if we allow history to repeat itself.”
This is why, he said, the military must remain a force for stability, and not political control!
People will have different views of the military and its involvement in the politics of our nation.
They will reflect on allegations of abuse of power involving the military.
That’s when some ordinary citizens were taken up to the camp and treated rather badly. Quite a few Fijians continue to live with horrific tales of their experiences with our military!
We reflect on a statement by former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in the wake of the 2022 General Elections, requesting military intervention, following what he termed “threats made against minority groups”.
That came in the wake of a coalition of parties saying they had a combined majority and had agreed on Sitiveni Rabuka as Prime Minister.
In the face of all this, we say it is good that the minister has come out with his statement.
It is the way to go.
As Mr Tikoduadua said, the military must remain a force for stability and not be influenced by politicians! It must uphold the will of the people, and be seen as an instrument of good for the nation! The National Security Strategy is a vision for our future. As Mr Tikoduadua said, national security and national unity are inseparable. We must address the wrongs of the past, and ensure our military remains apolitical! Perhaps then, we can talk about a future brimming with peace, democracy, and resilience!
