President calls on MPs to work together
PRESIDENT Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has called on Members of Parliament to work together as they begin another year of parliamentary sittings.
While opening the 2024 session yesterday, Ratu Wiliame urged the two oposing sides to find common ground.
“I would like to remind Members of Parliament the importance of respectful debate as it has an impact on inter-ethnic relations of our different communities,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“As leaders, we are required to leave aside our differences for the common good of our people. We must focus on our shared destiny and commonality rather than our small differences. I sincerely believe that we can all adhere to these fundamentals, to me, that is what true leadership is all about.
“Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and distinguished dignitaries, as we embark on a new parliamentary session, I urge you to consider sentiments expressed by your fellow citizens and bring their concerns to this August House.
“I challenge our parliamentarians to work across the aisle, find common ground on critical issues facing our nation and put the people first, above petty political interest and personal ambition.
“Let us not see challenges as mountains, but as common missions to ascend and resolve with open and constructive dialogue, with a view to build social cohesion.”
The President also called on Fijians to stay informed on government affairs.
“To all our citizens, wherever you are viewing this address from, I challenge you to stay informed about the policies and decisions made by your elected representatives, and to hold them accountable for their actions.
“I urge all our citizens to continue to engage in constructive, respectful dialogue and to seek understanding and common ground in our diverse society.
“This is the democratic way that we all must value and cherish.”
Some of the important policies highlighted by the President in Parliament yesterday included the review of the Illicit Drugs Act, review of the Fisheries Act 1941, the National Security and Immigration laws and the formulation of a foreign policy paper.