PM: Where’s the proof?
A few weeks ago he tried to terrify the public by spreading lies alleging racial persecution. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka
including claims of:
Multiple Fijians directly and/or indirectly approached FijiFirst for assistance in seeking redress against the repressive and oppressive conduct that this Government has continued to display since taking office;
Many were concerned with the ineffective and inefficient delivery of Government services and in particular, its inability to attend to the recent floods;
Many were concerned with promises made during election campaigns which are nowhere close to being fullfiled, others are concerned with promises made which, if delivered, will take Fiji back to the dark ages and be significantly detrimental to the lives of all Fijians and in particular, our youth;
Others were questioning why Government was stubbornly and recklessly undermining their rights and freedoms under the 2013 Constitution.
Mr Rabuka said as the Leader of Opposition, Mr Bainimarama should provide specific details of reports he had received alleging that the coalition Government had acted unconstitutionally.
He said if he failed to provide the details, in his attempt to smear the image of the coalition, then he and those working with him must be prepared to face the consequences within the law.
“Mr Bainimarama claims multiple Fijians have approached him and his party for assistance, presumably to deal with what he calls the deteriorating situation in the country,” he said.
“They cunningly created a climate of fear, often ignored the rule of law, did not hesitate to abuse individual rights and did not listen to our plight as people of Fiji.
“Fiji became the South Pacific’s first dictatorship of the modern era; the complete antithesis of our coalition’s approach to governance,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said the Leader of Opposition attempted to create instability and chaos which he can then attempt to exploit for his own nefarious ends.
“He has also tried to sabotage our coalition’s assumption of power by vigorously advising permanent secretaries, other civil servants and those serving on various boards, organisations and independent entities, not to resign, and oppose the will of the people’s coalition government,” he said.
“He then asserted falsely that we would bully, we would intimidate and threaten them. A few weeks ago he tried to terrify the public by spreading lies alleging racial persecution.
“Mr Sayed-Khaiyum described the situation as boiling and linked it to me. I made a statement of rebuttal and considered legal action against him,” he said.
He said the former AttorneyGeneral now faced questions by the Police for his role in this attempt to stir racial tension and fear.
“My understanding is that due process is currently ongoing,” he said.
“Mr Bainimarama posted a particularly explicit message on Facebook claiming violence aimed at a certain community and also supported Mr SayedKhaiyum with public utterances.
“None of these worked. It was widely ridiculed and dismissed by members of the public who reported that peace prevailed. They were not buying into their fear mongering tactics,” he said. He emphasised that the government was conducting itself consistent with the provisions of the Constitution.
The gravity of Mr Bainimarama’s speech escalated so much so that it led The People’s Alliance candidates, Bulou Gavidi Draunidalo, and Deborah Mereoni Duaibe, to lodge a complaint with Police against him.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro, on Friday night, confirmed receiving the statement.
A visit to Mr Bainimarama’s known address was made, however Fiji Sun was advised that he was in Kiuva, Tailevu, for a funeral.
Calls were also made but there were no responses when this edition went to press.
Complaints
Meanwhile, Ms Draunidalo said Mr Bainimarama’s widely circulated statement prompted her to lodge the complaint.
“At the time of lodging the complaint, Hon Bainimarama’s video of 1st January 2023 had been viewed 223,000 times, his accompanying statement had 957 reactions and 191 replies from the general public,” she said.
“Further, Honourable Leader of Opposition’s video of 3rd January 2023 had been viewed 157,000 times with 3,800 comments. His statement of 4th January 2023 had 2,200 reactions and been shared by 203 individuals.
“These online engagements will only increase and I have requested the Fiji Police to investigate Bainimarama for making public statements that allegedly mislead the people of Fiji and the rest of the world and cause public anxiety and communal antagonism.”
In her opinion, Ms Draunidalo said there was unprecedented level of public unity and confidence following the 2022 elections.
“The Leader of Opposition is misguided in his exaggeration of public anxiety and disorder as alleged in his recent Facebook videos and statements,” she said.
“The complaint is currently before the Police and I respect and have absolute confidence in their ability to follow due process of law in conducting their investigation.”