‘Respect religions, cultures’
There are nations - great nations - that laid the foundation for equality and religious and cultural harmony at nationhood. Instead of being used as a tool for division, religion has added to the richness of these societies.”
This was message made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the launch of the 2021 Fiji National University (FNU) Student’s Association Multi-cultural event held in Koronivia recently. Prime Minister Bainimarama said for decades, division along ethnic, religious, and provincial lines shackled our people’s potential.
“We suffered politically-driven communal strife which erupted into instances of violence. There were times when Fijians - in their own country feared for their security. I take no pleasure in recounting that history. But it must be remembered so it is never repeated. Make no mistake, there are some today still practice and advocate division and seek to drag us back to that painful past.”
“These people would pervert religious ideals to divide our people
and pit Fijians against Fijians. Always, always, always, their aim is to garner power for themselves. We can prosecute that sort of religious intolerance.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama said with the resources at available, even with the vigilance of the officers of the law, “nothing can erase religious intolerance more powerfully than you; young people who see the humanity in one another, regardless of our differences”.
He added that they are the young people who choose to call an inclusive nation their home.
“For you are writing a new Fijian story, it is a story of a truly great nation. For you know better than any generation before you that there is nothing natural about distrust, disharmony and suspicion. People are inclined to co-operate for the sake of the common good.”
“We are here, together, in this country. We may practice different faiths, but we share a desire to see life improve for ourselves and for our children, and we know we are most successful when we walk the path to greatness together.”
“All faiths teach the values of love and compassion. We may worship in different ways, but every religion in Fiji preaches the need to love thy neighbour and the value of love, compassion, and empathy.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama added that every Fijian knows in their heart what it means to be accepting of others and every Fijian has the innate conviction to practice the faith they choose, and the good sense to see the worth of the faith of others.
“Every Fijian can find comfort in religious values and practices in their personal lives. And every Fijian benefit from a Government that protects their right to practice the religion they choose, and the rights of their fellow Fijians, without forcing any single faith, or denomination of faith, on its citizens. That is the promise of our Fijian Constitution. That is the foundation upon which you young Fijians - will build.”
“Even in the darkest moments of our history, I have always believed that Fiji is destined for greatness. Indeed, we have already done many great things. We are here today, safely gathered amid a global pandemic.”