Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum says that people should not use their position of influence in society to spread hatred and stereotype.
While speaking at the special vigil at the Holy Trinity Cathedral for the victims of the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, Sayed‑Khaiyum says whether they are a Imam, Preacher, Reverend, Priest, political leader or a social leader, all of them have a greater sense of responsibility.
He says our sense of grief should not be limited to just the group that has been killed.
Sayed‑Khaiyum says that hate will only stereotype the mindset of people, engaging them in inhumane acts like the one this terrorist has done.
He says in order to achieve peace, it has to start from one's own self in their own religion as no religion promotes discrimination and violence.
Sayed‑Khaiyum says the unfortunate thing about fear and hatred is that it dehumanizes people, it takes away the essence, the ability to relate individually to the God they worship and it is extremely dangerous.
He also paid tribute to New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Sayed‑Khaiyum also thanked everyone who attended the vigil yesterday and on Sunday.
He adds there were more non‑Muslims at the vigil who came to share their grief with the Muslim community adding it is a wonderful thing.
People that were present at the vigil included Opposition Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Lands Ashneel Sudhakar, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Lynda Tabuya and New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr.
