Freedom to share ideas, criticism
GOVERNMENT will continue to encourage the free exchange of ideas and criticisms, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
While delivering his right of reply after week-long parliamentary proceedings this week, Mr Rabuka said he believed faith, mutual respect, and diversity made our nation strong.
“If we respect and appreciate each other’s different views, we will surely find common ground towards achieving our common goals for the betterment of our country,” he said.
“We owe it to the next generation to do that collectively.
“This is the essence of our democracy, and this is the essence of Parliamentary debate.
“The battle of ideas from which comes the best solutions to our challenges.”
He added that the Coalition Government was not afraid to admit their weaknesses and they acknowledged the mistakes they might have made.
“Only this week we received a request from the honourable member of the Opposition about the plight of a lady teacher in the West.
“I am glad that the DPM and the Minister for Education came back the following day to say that her problem had been solved.
“We must all recognise the freedom of speech also comes with responsibility. Concerns have been raised by some honourable members of the propensity on racial vilification on social media.
“Very good solution to that. Don’t read social media.
“But I have a page and I can challenge anyone to challenge me on any vilification that appears on my page.”
According to Mr Rabuka, Government took allegations of online vilification very seriously, and he said there were laws on cyberbullying and ongoing investigations by relevant authorities on several cases.
“As individuals we must always exercise restraint and maturity becoming of a member of the Parliament of Fiji.
“We must also recognise that the standards of debate of this honourable House sets the tone of debate across the nation. Amongst the people and their interaction in person and online.
“Authorities must continue to monitor online communications that may incite communal or religious antagonism and enforce the relevant laws accordingly.”