THERE is growing support for the Prime Minister’s call for leaders to undergo drug testing, with senior Government and Opposition figures backing the move, though some said constitutional changes may be required to make it mandatory across Parliament and State institutions.
Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua said any push for compulsory testing must align with the supreme law, suggesting amendments to the Constitution of Fiji may be necessary.
“I would consent to a drug test,” she said.
Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga also voiced strong support, stressing the need to prioritise national interest and uphold integrity in public office.
He said safeguards would be needed for those on prescribed medication, adding the aim was support, not punishment.
“I think the answer is very obvious,” Mr Turaga said.
“We fully support compulsory drug tests, civil servants.
“We need to test the credibility, the integrity of the individual is so important.”
Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo revealed he had taken a voluntary drug test to encourage both police officers and members of the public to do the same voluntarily.
Those who supported the move included ministers Sashi Kiran, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Agni Deo Singh and others.
Mr Rabuka had said national leaders must set the standard and subject itself to the same measures expected of the public as Fiji intensifies its crackdown on illicit drugs.
Meanwhile, Constitution Review Commission (CRC) commissioner Dr John Fatiaki shared recently that expecting employees to consent to mandatory drug testing as a condition of their employment was not an unreasonable demand.
He said concerns over consent and constitutional rights could be addressed through internal policy, at the time of recruitment, rather than changes to the Constitution itself.
