Fiji is firmly on the right track to ensure the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is never again used or exploited to advance the interests of any individual or group acting outside the law or against the will of the people.
Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua made the comments while assuring the people of Fiji have “nothing to fear” from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Responding to questions from The Fiji Times, he said he had full trust in the institution and its leadership.
“I have absolute confidence in the Commander, the officers, and the soldiers and sailors of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to continue to conduct themselves professionally and in full adherence to the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
On the question of whether Government continues to view the threat of any conspiracy to overthrow the Government as a concern, Mr Tikoduadua said, “No one can predict the future with certainty.”
“However, we are firmly on the right track to ensure that the RFMF will never again be used or exploited to advance the interests of any individual or group acting outside the law or against the will of the people.
“The people of Fiji have nothing to fear from the RFMF.
“It remains a disciplined, professional institution committed to serving the nation and safeguarding our democracy.”
He said over the past three years, Fiji has made steady and deliberate progress in strengthening democratic governance.
“The role of the RFMF is clear. It is to uphold and protect the Constitution and to respect the will of the people and the Government they have chosen through democratic processes.
“Our collective national commitment to this path is reflected in both the National Security and Defence Review and the National Security Strategy, which reaffirm the RFMF’s constitutional role within a modern democratic state.”
