Religious groups back PM in condemning anti-Muslim talk
We do not appreciate such behaviour against our Muslim brothers and sisters, says Methodist Church leader.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s condemnation of anti-Muslim talk has received strong support. The Methodist Church in Fiji, one of the largest Christian denominations in Fiji, has led the charge to back Mr Bainimarama.
Methodist Church president Reverend Epineri Vakadewavosa said the Methodists agreed with Mr Bainimarama and condemned attacks against any religion.
“We do not appreciate such behaviour against our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Reverend Vakadewavosa said.
“The Methodist Church has always respected other religions, their rights and their freedom to worship.
“We live in a multi-racial and multi-cultural community. We should respect and love one another.
“It is in our Constitution and our teachings to respect one another.
“We do not condone such behaviour. We stand by what the Prime Minister has said.” Mr Bainimarama condemned anti-Muslim attacks on social media during a Talanoa session at Vusasivo Village, Cakaudrove, on Friday.
He also defended the role of Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is a Muslim.
One of the country’s largest Hindu organisations, the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha, has also come out to support Mr Bainimarama.
It’s national president, Sarju Prasad said: “No one should make any racial comments about another’s religion.
“We should not divide anyone and separate them on racial or religious backgrounds. We live in a country where we have a diverse society living together.
“Diversity is the truth of life in this country. We must have unity among each other.
“We are meeting with the Prime Minister on Tuesday where we will thank him for his kind support.
“We want to seek assistance to get to the root of the racial discrimination that has been going in the country.
“We had invited the Prime Minister to meet with us and he has accepted our invitation and we are very grateful to him.
“Some of the issues we will discuss with the Prime Minister are the racial intolerance which is on-going right now.
“And, to take those people to task who do such things with maximum penalties.’’ Fiji Muslim League national president Hafizud Khan said his organisation appreciated the Prime Minister’s support and his request to stop criticising the Muslim community.
“Over the years we have had a lot of tolerance and patience,” Mr Khan said.
“We have always tolerated what people said about the Muslim community.
“Recently there have been a lot of remarks said about the Muslim communities through social media.
“These things are happening now that never used to happen before.
“We also want everyone in their communities to live peacefully and happily. We also respect other religions and culture.”
Some of the issues we will discuss with the Prime Minister are the racial intolerance which is on-going right now. Sarju Prasad Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha national president