Provide evidence or face the law, Rabuka says

OPPOSITION Leader Voreqe Bainimarama has to provide evidence of allegations he made against the coalition Government or face the full brunt of the law.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka issued the warning in a national address yesterday, in response to Mr Bainimarama’s claims that the situation in Fiji has deteriorated since Mr Rabuka came into office.

Mr Rabuka said he offered a hand of co-operation and wished to develop a positive relationship with the FijiFirst party, but Mr Bainimarama has made it clear that he rejected the idea of both sides of Parliament working together.

“In recent days, Mr Bainimarama has been bombarding the country with lies and misinformation. He alleges that Fiji is in some sort of crisis, that our new coalition Government is engaged in repressive, oppressive conduct,” Mr Rabuka said.

He said Mr Bainimarama went on to claim that Fiji was reliving the “dark ages” and that families were living in fear of job losses.

He said the former PM also attempted to terrify the public by trying to create racial disharmony along with former attorneygeneral Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

“Members of our coalition have a message for Bainimarama.

“On behalf of the people, we demand specific details of reports that you have received that we have acted unconstitutionally, contrary to the rule of law and in violation of good governance, and committed other transgressions.

“If he fails to provide the details of what he has published in his attempt to smear the image of our coalition, then he and those who are working with him are going to face consequences within the law.”

In a statement this week, Mr Bainimarama claimed they had received “further reports of certain matters” that were taking place in Government and that were detrimental to the Constitution, rule of law and governance.

Meanwhile, police public relations officer Ana Naisoro yesterday confirmed receiving complaints against the former PM, alleging his statements were inciteful.