Government MP Siromi Turaga has defended the Police Bill 2026, saying Fiji is facing growing law and order challenges and police officers need the necessary tools to deal with emerging threats.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Turaga said the country was at a crossroads, with reports of home invasions, phone hacking, drug-related incidents and unresolved murders.
“People at the homes have been attacked. Phones have been hacked. People coming in planes to what? To steal from the machines that are on the streets,” he said.
Mr Turaga said Fiji was no longer the safe haven it used to be, pointing to what he described as more than 40 to 50 unresolved murders.
He questioned how police could be expected to solve such cases while facing criticism without being adequately equipped to carry out their duties.
“We criticise the police, but we don’t give them the tools. How do we expect the other side always stands up and complains about a small matter to the police?” he said.
Mr Turaga also referred to a recent incident in Lau, where a man allegedly ran naked through a village after consuming a substance believed to be drugs.
He said the incident reflected the realities of the challenges communities were facing.
Mr Turaga acknowledged the perseverance of the Minister for Policing Iowane Naivalurua in pursuing the legislation, saying the Bill addressed the current challenges facing the country.
Parliament debated and passed the Police Bill 2026 last night.
