RFMF must never again be used as a political tool - Tikoduadua

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces must never again be used as a political tool and our democracy must never again be undermined by those in positions of power.

Those were the sentiments echoed by the Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua while responding to the President’s speech in Parliament today.

Tikoduadua says we cannot allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated and the people of Fiji must never again feel as though their rights are conditional on who holds office.

He says in 1987 and 2006, the RFMF was drawn into political affairs and used as a tool to silence opposition rather than uphold the will of the people.

The Minister says these were moments that changed the course of our nation, leaving behind wounds that we are still healing from today.

Tikoduadua says we cannot heal if we do not acknowledge the past, and we cannot move forward if we allow history to repeat itself.

He says further says security is about stability, democracy, national unity and the trust that the people place in their leaders.

He adds security is not simply the presence of law enforcement or military forces, but it is ensuring that every Fijian, regardless of background, ethnicity or status, feels valued, protected and included.

Tikoduadua says as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka prepares to launch the National Security Strategy, he wants to make it clear that Fiji is ready.

He says Fiji has done the work, built the institutions, and most importantly, laid the foundation for a security framework that is based on trust and not on fear.