Social Democratic Liberal Party Leader Aseri Radrodro has called for calm, mature and responsible public discourse following recent inflammatory comments circulating on social media.
His statement follows a public post by the General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, which contained aggressive language, violent threats, including references to roasting fellow citizens in earth ovens, and racially divisive remarks directed at non-indigenous Fijians in relation to the 1874 Deed of Cession.
Rdrodro says there comes a time when we must draw a clear line between standing up for our traditional leaders and resorting to hostility, vulgarity, and explicit threats against our fellow citizens.
He says Manumanunitoga is entitled to his views, as is every Fijian, however, freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, maturity, and respect.
He says having a political opinion or defending our chiefs does not give anyone a licence to use abusive language, make violent threats, or issue rhetoric that risks creating deep ethnic divisions among our people.
While SODELPA remains steadfastly committed to upholding the dignity of the vanua, protecting indigenous heritage, and honoring the role of traditional chiefs, the party firmly rejects the notion that respect for chiefs can be promoted through intimidation or hostility toward other communities.
Radrodro says our chiefs are integral to our history, identity, and the fabric of our nation, and they should not be subjected to personal attacks or contempt.
However, he says defending our chiefs does not require threatening others or telling our fellow citizens to shut up and leave.
He says any legitimate discussion surrounding our traditional institutions must be grounded in facts, reasoned argument, and mutual respect - not personal hostility or violent threats.
The Party Leader highlighted that Fiji's strength lies in peaceful coexistence, constitutional order, and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
He says the Vanua represents our heritage, identity, genealogy, customary responsibilities, and relationships that have sustained our communities across generations.
He says it is a foundation of care and unity, not a tool for provocation or humiliation.
He says those who speak out in defense of our institutions must lead by example, demonstrating tolerance, dignity, and restraint.
Radrodro says threatening language and inflammatory rhetoric do not protect our chiefs; they only diminish the nobility of the causes we seek to uphold.
He says respect for our chiefs does not mean enforcing silence through fear.
He says freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate.
Radrodro says as Fijians, we must never lose sight of the values that should guide our national conversation, which includes respect for one another, appreciation of our shared history, fairness in our conduct, and responsibility in our words.
SODELPA is calling on all public figures, community advocates, and citizens to refrain from issuing statements that promote fear or ethnic division, and instead contribute to constructive dialogue that strengthens the unity, peace, and progress of Fiji.
