Army Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is raising its concerns with regards to the sweeping changes of the current government to establish a firm transition of power and democratic control as the government of the day.
Major General Kalouniwai says the RFMF has quietly observed with growing concern over the last few days, the ambition and speed of the government in implementing these sweeping changes are creating shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes and procedures that protect the integrity of the law and the Constitution.
The Army Commander says whilst the RFMF recognizes the justifications by the current government to establish these changes, the RFMF believes that trying and failing to democratize in adverse circumstances has the potential to bring about fateful, long-term national security consequences.
He says the RFMF is concerned, whether these rapid changes are being pursued without a full understanding of the process and procedures or intentionally done to challenge the integrity of the Law and the Constitution of this land.
Major General Kalouniwai says whatever the reasons may be, the RFMF feels that such actions and decisions is putting at risk the very nature of the Law and the separation of powers that clearly demarcate the independence of the three arms of government.
He says given that Fiji is a very new democracy and given our unfortunate past experience of governments exceeding or attempting to exceed its powers, section 131 of the Constitution ensures that the RFMF plays a guardian role where the excesses of the past are not repeated and any new assaults on our emerging democracy are not tolerated.
The Commander says this provision is also in place to ensure that the values and principles of democracy including the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution are not undermined.
The RFMF firmly believes that the separation of powers between the executive and the judicial arms of the state must be respected.
He says it must be important to understand and appreciate that a strong rule of law is built on respect for and adherence to a clear separation of powers between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
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Tuesday 17/01/2023
Army Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai stresses that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will continue to stand for democracy, the rule of law and honour the government.
In an exclusive interview with fijivillage News this afternoon, Major General Kalouniwai says the RFMF has done this before, during and after the 2022 general elections.
Major General Kalouniwai says they will continue to respect the democratic principles and it is also his responsibility to raise concerns if there are issues about following the law and the Constitution.
The Army Commander says the RFMF’s statement today focuses on ensuring that the government follows proper procedures and processes when making changes.
He says it would be inappropriate to highlight the particular changes in terms of appointments and decisions but he believes the government would understand through the RFMF’s line minister, the Defence Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, as they have been having consultations with him over the past few days.
Major General Kalouniwai says the rule of law must be paramount, and he believes that this is an opportunity for everyone to implement and abide by the laws of Fiji.
The Army Commander met with Tikoduadua at the Government Buildings earlier this afternoon.
He says he has been sharing his concerns with Tikoduadua and the RFMF’s assessment as well.
Major General Kalouniwai says this is all part of the whole process where they are being transparent, open about the things that they feel, and actually help in bringing about a proper way of doing things when we are looking at a democratic country like Fiji.
Tikoduadua is expected to make a statement soon.
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