Manumanunitoga Apologises, Defends Remarks as Retaliation

Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga has issued a public apology to the Indo-Fijian community following controversial social media remarks that prompted a formal Police complaint by the National Federation Party (NFP).

The complaint raises the possibility of an investigation under Section 65 of the Crimes Act 2009, which provides for a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for certain offences involving communal antagonism.

In his apology, Manumanunitoga said his comments were made in retaliation to alleged racist remarks directed at Fiji’s traditional chiefs by some Indo-Fijian social media users.

“This was purely done in retaliation to racist remarks that was addressed to Fiji’s chiefs posted on various Facebook posts and comments by some Indo Fijians who I particularly addressed my comments to,” he stated.

He questioned why those who had allegedly insulted Fiji’s chiefs were not similarly condemned by community leaders, government officials or parliamentarians.

“So when someone like me decided to retaliate I am now labelled as a racist,” he stated.

Manumanunitoga maintained that he would not have made the remarks had he not encountered the comments directed at traditional chiefs.

“I would not have uttered such remarks had I not read what they said in their comments. What I did was in pure retaliation to those negative comments.”

He also reaffirmed his position that Fiji’s traditional chiefs must be respected and should not be subjected to insults or disrespect.

Despite defending the circumstances surrounding his comments, Manumanunitoga acknowledged his relationships with Indo-Fijians and people of other ethnic backgrounds.

“I have many Indo Fijian friends and colleagues who we share many good times together and help each other in times of need,” he stated.

He concluded by asking those offended to forgive him.

“Please accept my sincere apology. Please forgive me if I may have offended you in any way.”

The apology comes on the same day that NFP Assistant General Secretary Apenisa Vatuniveivuke lodged a formal complaint at CID Headquarters in Suva over the alleged remarks.