Let’s uphold decorum and common decency in our national debate

As we move towards our second general election in our young democracy, it is promising and exciting to see the heightened interests in national issues.

This is a positive trend because it is indicative of the people's interests in the affairs of the nation.

The policies of the FijiFirst Government have created this environment.

They have made people aware that there are real opportunities out there to get ahead in life – opportunities that previously did not exist.

National debates are healthy if they are constructive. Freedom of expression is an important cornerstone of our democracy.

While it is encouraged it must be emphasised that it comes with responsibility.

This means that we must avoid the pitfalls of the past when attack on personalities and personal characters took precedence over comments about issues. It does not matter what medium we use, social media or mainstream media, we must exercise care and caution. The level of virulent attacks against many people on social media has reached unprecedented heights. Recently Bau chief Ratu Epenisa Cakobau was not spared. He too became a victim and has lodged a complaint with the Police.

The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, and his FijiFirst Government team, get unfairly attacked by the anti-Government mob.

If the issues are getting criticised because the critics have a different viewpoint, that's fine.

But when it becomes personal and people are getting vilified and their families dragged in then it's unacceptable.

Freedom of speech is not an absolute right where you can say whatever you want. While it is an unassailable notion, there can be grey areas. It is limited only by legal constraints, moral and ethical considerations.

But these limits are blurred by the so-called unfettered freedom on social media that some exploit, using fake names and addresses to quickly and easily vent their emotions like frustration and anger about life.

Social media is a powerful medium that can be very useful in inspiring people to do good and to do business. But as we have seen it has also been used for evil purposes. In the absence of a law that governs its use we will continue to live with the two forces of good and evil.

Public discourses are essential in our national development. They go hand in hand with new policies and new developments launched.

Since 2014, the record number of infrastructure developments and initiatives by the FijiFirst Government have got people thinking and talking.

They have stimulated public interests and attracted views for and against. That's a healthy sign and it shows that people are interested in what's happening in their country.

This is expected to increase in the coming months before the election.

But as we engage in public debate, let's uphold decorum and common decency in the language we use. We will be judged by what we say.