The issue of moderate chastisement of children as a corrective measure should be considered separately from corporal punishment.
Fijian Teachers’ Association General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga says there was wide consultation on the issue by the Constitution Review Commission.
He claims 95 percent of indigenous Fijians supported the provision in the Constitution Amendment Bill allowing moderate chastisement to correct children’s misbehaviour.
Manumanunitoga says the provision was later shelved because of concerns relating to the United Nations and funding.
He says Fiji should not compromise its values because of foreign funding or outside influence.
Manumanunitoga also says changing what he considers to be God’s law could have serious consequences for the country.
