PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will not allow any party that brings about ethnic division to question his patriotism.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he said Opposition MPs should understand true patriotism meant sacrificing selfish interests for something more meaningful and enduring.
“As it has been a subject of discussion this week, allow me to give this chamber a lesson in true patriotism,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“If you want to see true Fijian patriots, go to the frontline of our diplomatic efforts, where our sleepless delegations fight relentlessly to elevate our voice on the world stage.
“If you want to see true patriots, look to the young people putting in the sweat and effort to support my government’s projects in their communities.
“If you want to see true patriots, look to the children of Fiji who do not see the world through the lens of our differences, but who greet their fellow citizens with open hearts and minds unclouded by prejudice.”
Mr Bainimarama said true patriots were people like the late police officer Siuta Niumataiwalu who was murdered in the line of duty.
“To the members of the Opposition: that is where you’ll find true patriotism, you will not find it looking in the mirror.
“I won’t have my patriotism questioned by a party who advocates ethnic supremacy, who endorses religious fundamentalism, and who shuns their duties to serve in this chamber.”
