Friday 6 January 2012

Fiji PM - Well Done! (Vinaka Vaka Levu)

The Public Emergency Regulations is now no longer in effect.

The PER has been removed by government in what it says is part of moves towards democracy.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says the PER has been lifted so that public consultations on the new Constitution can start next month.

The Public Emergency Regulations was imposed in April 2009 - following the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution.
It prohibited public processions, meetings or assembly including political gatherings without a permit, put the media under strict censorship and gave police and the military extended powers.

In his address yesterday - Bainimarama urged all Fijians to be careful of individuals who might want to take advantage of the lifting of the PER.

"Know that those who seek to destabilize society only do so to serve their own interets. They do not serve you. Also know that we will not tolerate an iota of disruption to the peace, safety and stability and common citizenship we now enjoy."

Bainimarama says the PER was initially implemented to bring about stability - as under past governments - corrption prevailed, the economy was mismanaged and society was rife with political uncertainty.

He adds - the implementation of the PER has seen an overall decrease in the crime rate.

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