Islands Business: Fiji military prepares submission to the Constitutional Commission

The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has started preparing its submission to the Constitutional Commission.
Tue, 15 May 2012

SUVA, Fiji (FIJI SUN) ---- The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has started preparing its submission to the Constitutional Commission. Prime Minister and RFMF Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, confirmed this to the Fiji Sun.


“We will make our submission. You must remember that we had started this new journey and we have to make our voice heard in our submission to the Constitutional Commission.”

In fact he said all Fijians should make good use of the opportunity provided in the constitutional process already announced. “As for the military we will surely make our submission.”

He said political parties and former politicians were trying to discredit the constitutional process. “While they’re exercising their right, they should accept what’s on offer and make positive criticisms.” There is no way, he said, that the 1997 Constitution would be revisited.

The Prime Minister said for their voices to be heard, they should make submissions to the commission.

“We must all be forthcoming, actively contribute to, and participate in this process with the view to ensure a better Fiji for all Fijians and we must put aside any prejudices, any self-interest, and political ambitions.”

The new journey started by RFMF, he said, would like to see that a new Constitution was formulated to make sure that we have a new Fiji for all Fijians.

Consultations will commence between the Constitutional Commission and the citizens of Fiji from July 2 and end on September 30.

Government will make sure that all Fijians are given access to the consultation process. “We will ensure that adequate transportation is provided to citizens in particular in the rural and maritime areas-to attend the consultation forums and meetings.”

The new Constitution would be in place by the end of February next year.