Fijians No Longer Need to Fear Speaking Their Minds

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fijians should never again have to fear speaking their minds, as he reflected on the repeal of the Media Industry Development Act and his own journey in understanding the importance of democracy.

“Today, Fijians no longer need to fear speaking their minds. People are free to express their views, debate the issues that matter to them, and say what they believe without looking over their shoulder,” the Prime Minister said.

Rabuka said the repeal of MIDA in 2023 fulfilled a commitment made to the Fijian people and was part of restoring a country where citizens could speak freely and journalists could do their work without fear.

He acknowledged that Fiji had gone through periods when many people did not feel they had that freedom and also reflected on his own role in the country’s history.

“I have lived through different chapters of our country’s history, and I have also had to reflect on my own part in that history,” Rabuka said.

“With the passing of the years, I have come to understand more deeply that democracy is not simply about winning an election. It is also about accepting criticism when you are the one in power and protecting the right of people to disagree with you.”

The Prime Minister said his Government could have chosen to retain MIDA, which may have made things politically easier, but believed doing so would have been wrong for Fiji and for the legacy his Government wanted to leave behind.

Rabuka also urged Fijians to exercise their freedoms responsibly, saying disagreement and accountability should not become an excuse for personal attacks.

“We can disagree strongly and hold each other to account without bullying, humiliating, or deliberately hurting one another,” he said.