Relax, PMs and a commander
Let’s all relax
EVERYONE take a deep breath in, hold, now exhale slowly. (Repeat)
Relax. Government; continue to govern with love as you promised even to those you perceive as your adversaries. It has an osmotic effect.
Opposition. Give this Government a chance. You were once there and had your spoils. You did what you felt was best in your time.
Thank you for your service. You can fire back from the other side of the house now; after morning tea.
Chaudhry, Bavadra, Qarase were denied that opportunity. That was like denying the voice of the people.
I’m just wondering what might have happened if Narube or Biman had got the outright majority as civilians? Hypothetical, for a different space.
Defence; uphold the values of that noble institution. Do it quietly please, so you don’t scare everyone. Live firing at the range only. Observe and report only for now.
The people can’t continue to live in fear for ever. You are their guardians, shield them.
Beat the retreat, call the troops home for some rest and recreation. There is no civil war. (God knows you need a rest, especially the heroes traumatised from past events to uphold loyalty to the institution, those that lost their lives, and those that have the bullet wound scars to show they were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the country — I salute you).
Don’t listen to the shadowy figures in the dark, filling your ears and minds with negativity. Let them remain there, just shadows in the dark, and irrelevant. They’ve brought no good to the country in the past.
Holy men and women keep praying. The country needs it.
Fellow humans, I’m so sorry, you have lived in fear and uncertainty for so long. You have a right to freedom, success and happiness. It might take a bit of adjusting, but you don’t have to whisper anymore.
We can’t change everyone to be on the people’s side, but my oath, like the majority of us including this masthead and my fellow contributors voicing their opinions here and elsewhere, we should keep trying.
Take Fiji back to the way the world should be. Slow and steady as she goes.
EDWARD HERMAN
Victoria, Australia
PM’s speech
SINCE the swearing in of our new Prime Minister on the 24th of December, I’ve enjoyed listening to the interviews and speeches given by the Honourable PM.
The ability to speak freely without any notes and to share stories, jokes, quotes and poems to suit the occasion is a feat that can only be mastered by a few. The PM has a wit about him and a sense of humour that’s a stark contrast to the speeches and words that we have been exposed to by the former PM.
In an interview with Lice Movono of ABC Australia, the PM was asked about China’s involvement in the Pacific and if Fiji will strengthen its military and police ties with China, whilst diplomatically answering no and to avoid conflict in the Pacific with China and our regional neighbours, he went on to say “it can be avoided by frank responsible dialogue”. He paused for a few seconds and continued “that’s a frank with a small f, not a capital f”.
When Lice asked the follow-up question, you can hear the sound of muffled laughter in the background.
Ronald Reagan the US President is also known for sharing many stories and jokes during his term as president and it captured the minds and hearts of the populous.
Our honourable PM has made many speeches recently and one that has stood out for me is his speech at the Fiji Teachers Confederation celebration.
Without any notes he articulated himself masterfully, speaking from the heart, uplifting the lives of everyone watching and listening.
No matter your background or occupation you will come out of that speech with your spirit soaring and heart content.
To the Honourable PM, thank you for inspiring the nation, thank you for the words of wisdom, the words of encouragement, words that heal and words filled with love and hope.
I hope that your words will inspire other leaders and young people to speak from the heart, to speak with conviction and speak life unto others.
Now that you have caught the white rabbit, as a prime minister with a past, a sinner with a future, as you put your hand in the hand of God may He light your path and keep you safe in the paths unknown.
SAILOSI NAEWE
Naduru Rd, Nausori
Poor judgement
MELI Matanatoto’s letter (FT 21/1) makes me wonder what his yardstick is to compare political leaders?
NZ PM Jacinda Ardern is the last leader one can say “good riddance “to as Meli does.
That is something that is reserved for military thug rulers like the people of Myanmar have been lumbered with or dictators and tyrants (too many to name here ).
Ms Ardern was far from perfect as a democratically elected leader but there is no way she could be described as possessing a Stalinist bent.
Did Ms Ardern take away the rights and freedoms of women in NZ like the Taliban have done in Afghanistan? Meli is grossly lacking in perspective.
RAJEND NAIDU
Sydney, Australia
Where were you?
I WRITE in response to the recent statements made by the RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai, in which he specifically stated that “separation of powers between the executive and judicial arms of the State must be respected”.
He further stated that “the decisions and actions of the new Government are putting a risk at the nature of law and separation of powers”.
I just wish to question the muchrespected major general on where he was when the Fiji First government blatantly assumed powers of all the three arms of government? Where was he when our Solicitor General was removed without following the process outlined by law? Where was the Commander when the Constitution of our country was violated time and time again for 16 long years.
The commander maintained his objective stance during and aftermath of the General Elections, however, his recent statements do not support the previous objective stance he took.
The FijiFirst accounts were barred from being audited but Major General Kalouniwai decides to draw the line when Fiji actually starts to progress and prosper under new leadership.
I believe that the recent Government decisions and actions have not been taken as negatively by the public in comparison to the statements made by the RFMF chief.
Take a stand, sir! Either you work with the new government or you don’t.