Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged Fijians to remain calm after the Constitutional Review Commission presented recommendations that include a proposal concerning the country’s status as a secular state.
Mr Rabuka stressed that the commission’s report contains recommendations, not government decisions, and said Cabinet would now carefully consider the proposals before determining the way forward.
The recommendation concerning Fiji’s secular status has prompted particular concern, with Mr Rabuka acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.
The Prime Minister, whose Christian faith is well known, said declaring Fiji a Christian state was not, in itself, what made the country Christian.
“Christianity should be reflected in the way we live — through humility, kindness, compassion, hard work, service and love for one another,” he said.
Mr Rabuka also sought to reassure members of Fiji’s Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other faith communities that their religious freedom and place in the country would remain protected.
“Our Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other brothers and sisters must never feel that their faith, freedom or place in Fiji is threatened,” he said.
“They are an integral part of our nation, and their right to practise their faith freely must always be respected and protected.”
The Prime Minister called on political leaders to exercise responsibility as the country considers the constitutional recommendations, warning against turning the debate into a political, racial or religious conflict.
Mr Rabuka also criticised inflammatory commentary circulating online, including posts from anonymous accounts and what he described as online trolls.
He urged Fijians not to allow misinformation or inflammatory rhetoric to create fear and division.
“Cabinet will consider the recommendations carefully. There may be recommendations we support, others we do not, and others that require further consideration,” he said.
The constitutional review process now moves to the government for consideration, with Cabinet expected to determine how it will respond to the commission’s recommendations.
Mr Rabuka concluded his statement with a biblical reference from 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.”
He said that should be the spirit in which Fiji approaches the national discussion over its constitutional future.
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