Great Council of Chiefs member and Rewa chief, Ro Naulu Mataitini has criticised former Cabinet Minister and current Government backbencher, Kalaveti Ravu over allegedly swearing on a social media post directed at members of the public supporting a court case involving Charlie Charters.
Ro Naulu says the comment, posted overnight on facebook, was directed not at a political opponent but at members of the public who had expressed support for the legal proceedings.
He says citizens have a democratic right to support matters before the courts and should be able to do so without facing offensive language from public officeholders.
Ro Naulu says elected leaders carry a responsibility to uphold dignity and respect, particularly when engaging with members of the public.
He adds that when leaders respond to criticism or disagreement with insults, it risks lowering the tone of public discourse and undermining confidence in leadership.
According to Ro Naulu, the courts play a critical role in democratic accountability and matters before the judiciary should be allowed to proceed without intimidation or hostility directed at citizens.
He says leadership requires restraint and that public office comes with expectations of decorum and responsibility.
Ro Naulu further states that maintaining respect for democratic participation is essential to preserving public trust in institutions.
Meanwhile, Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika says Ravu, who is a member of the People’s Alliance Party, posted a comment on her page which she described as offensive and unbecoming of a sitting Member of Parliament.
Waqanika says she had never met Ravu and had no intention of doing so but felt compelled to respond after he commented publicly on her page.
Questions have been sent to People's Alliance Party General Secretary Sila Balawa on what is the party's stand on their MP allegedly making these offensive comments.
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