Consider your stance, Rabuka tells Aust, NZ

Former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka believes Australia and New Zealand governments should consider their stance against Fiji following the decision of Prime Minister to lift the Public Emergency Regulation.

Speaking to FijiLive, Rabuka said lifting of the PER is Fiji’s own initiative so Australia and New Zealand should also consider something similar.

Referring to the tough sanctions imposed by Australia and New Zealand he said each government has its own objectivity.

“Its time now for them to consider their oppositions. Both Australia and New Zealand should also show initiative” Rabuka said.

He said the move by Commodore Bainimarama to lift the Public Emergency Regulation is a positive step towards moving forward as the country prepares for 2014 general elections.

Rabuka said the plan by Commodore Bainimarama to lift the PER is one that can be supported.

He said things in Fiji have changed and a lot of critical issues were getting better so it was the right time for the PER to be lifted.

“At the moment they are the government and whatever they propose we have to work with it,” he said.

And with the consultation works for Fiji’s new constitution to begin soon Rabuka said “it is high time now for everyone to work together for the good of Fiji,” he said

Rabuka said the pillars of the People's Charter for Change Peace and Progress is good for Fiji.

Responding to questions made by FijiLive on what characteristics should shape Fiji’s new constitution a hesitant Rabuka said it should be in accordance with the pillars of the Charter.

And with the Charter being criticised by many he said the pillars of the Charter will only be effective when people will work for the good of Fiji.

Rabuka said most of the new laws in Fiji have been born out of necessity.

“We cannot say or do anything but accept what comes out and move forward for the general elections in 2014,” he said.

Meanwhile, the lifting the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) this Saturday must be understood as a concept allowing Fijians their fundamental freedom of expression says Citizens Constitutional Forum chief executive Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

Reverend Yabaki said they have been calling for the PER to be lifted since April 2009 and welcomes the announcement by Commodore Bainimarama.

“The lifting of the PER is a good sign by government as it represents a credible step in the right direction. But it is the first, belated as it is, and we may need to focus on this as an opportunity for the many more steps,” he said.