Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
03/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/15/2024 00:16
PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S RIGHT OF REPLY AS MOVER OF THE MOTION FOR PARLIAMENT TO...
Honorable Speaker of Parliament;
Honorable Leader of the Opposition;
Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers;
Honorable Ministers and Assistant Ministers;
Honorable Members of Parliament;
Honorable Speaker, I rise to give my right of reply as the Mover of the Motion before the House.
Once again, I thank His Excellency the President on behalf of this August Assembly, for his address in opening Parliament on Monday 4th March 2024.
Regardless of what and how we said it, we all agree with His Excellency that Honorable Members must exercise national leadership that:
-instills confidence,
-advances unity, equality and harmony,
-embraces diversity, and
-promotes prosperity in all our communities.
No matter how we said it, how loud we said it, that we all agree that we should be trying to do in this House.
His Excellency emphasised the importance of representing the voters of this land, the voices of all the people, even though they have not attained the voting ages. We are representing their voices Mr. Speaker Sir.
We must respect their views and debate sensibly and promote advocacy and uphold principals of democracy.
It is pleasing to note that the majority of Honorable members have expressed their support and embraced the President's advice.
I assure our colleagues in the Opposition that their constructive suggestions and recommendations will be considered by Government as we move forward.
Honorable Usamate's point about the Sugar Industry and elections, may I remind him that opposition at that time had proposed that and we will get to it.
I've got word from the Minister for Sugar this morning, and his point about all Fijians, yes, we agree but I also remind us Honorable Speaker Sir that some Fijians are original land owners, some Fijians are freehold land owners, some Fijians are lesses, some Fijians are lessors and some people live in rural areas and maritime islands and the Government had made a commitment to look after all our citizens.
However, it was sad to note that some Honorable Members continue to deliver political rhetoric and statements lacking facts, logic, context and substance.
Parliamentary debate Sir should be evidence-based, supported by facts and figures from credible sources, rather than the social media or rumors.
I'm sure there many sources available to us, we just have to exercise more caution to find out which really is the credible source.
I am confident that as we move forward, we can build bridges and address challenges facing the nation in the spirit of promoting national unity and communal harmony.
As I saw the students sitting here this morning Mr. Speaker Sir, I am reminded to say some words of encouragement to the parents of those. These children, beautiful looking children, during the debate we heard mentioned of the ills of society of today. We heard about the woes still felt in the rural areas that have no roads or not good roads. Shipping and all those other facilities that we now complain about.
If I was to ask the Honorable Members, Mr. Speaker Sir to put their hand up, if they grew up in maritime island. If they grew up and went to school where there was no road, im sure many of us would put our hands up.
So, I would to Mr. Speaker to as we mention these areas to encourage those in those areas to continue to look after their children, I walked almost one whole day to get to the road Mr. Speaker Sir, when I was going to Bucalevu.
As if were fortunate when we get to the road, we could catch a ride from those PWD trucks that were building the Savusavu to Buca bay Road at that time. There was no proper jetty to get across to Taveuni from the Vanualevu side. We had to go by Velovelo or those little puts to get us to the boats.
I would like to encourage all of us, to encourage those who are coming through those difficult areas and times too soldier on, look after our children so that we not have the problems that we have raised during these debates about street dwellers, about poverty, about school drop outs.
I remember Mr. Speaker Sir, that we were talking about school drop outs during the tea time and the Minister for Education and Assistant Minister were talking about what do we do about school drops outs. After about an hour of talks, they realised that I hadn't said anything.
And I asked them who is school dropout and they said those who do not complete the school system.
What is a complete school system, they go on to university and what do you think? I said Mr. Speaker Sir, we make them Prime Ministers. It is not how far you go in the school; your parents support and your own determination that determines your destiny.
Governance
Honourable Speaker, I reiterate and believe that faith, mutual respect for one another and diversity are what make our nation strong.
If we respect and appreciate each other's different views we will surely find common ground towards achieving our common goals for the betterment of our country. We owe it to the next generation, the future generations to do that collectively.
That is the essence of our democracy - the battle of ideas from which come the best solutions to our challenges.
The formulation of policies through consultations with all stakeholders will create an environment of inclusiveness, ownership and confidence which I will continue to champion.
The People's Coalition Government is not afraid to admit its weaknesses and acknowledge mistakes made.
We are willing to take on board views expressed by any member of society and Honorable members of this house, and we will take those on and act accordingly.
Government will continue to encourage the free exchange of ideas and criticism.
Mr. Speaker Sir, only this week we received a request from Honorable member of the opposition of about the plight of a lady teacher in the west. I'm glad the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education came back the following day that her problem had been solved.
However, we must all recognise that freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
Concerns have been raised by some Honorable Members on the propensity for racial vilification on social media.
I can assure you that Government takes this very seriously. There are laws on cyber bullying and ongoing investigations by relevant authorities on a number of cases.
As individuals we must all exercise restraint, and maturity becoming members of the Parliament of Fiji..
We must also recognise that the standard of debate in this House sets the tone of debate across the nation and among the people in their interactions in person, and online.
Authorities must continue to monitor online communications that may incite communal or religious antagonism and enforce the relevant law accordingly.
Issues relating to the Constitution
Honorable Speaker, I wish to reassure the nation that the Coalition Government will continue to abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.
Responding to calls for review of the Constitution does not mean that the Government disrespects the process required for amendments to the Constitution.
However, the Constitution empowers Cabinet to refer a question of law to the Supreme Court under section 91(5) for clarification of a particular section of the Constitution.
The Economy
Honorable Speaker, while the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance has ably responded to debate on the economy, I wish to highlight a number of key points which I believe the Opposition require clarity.
There has been some discussion on the increasing price of goods and services due to inflation.
We must all appreciate that most of our inflation is actually imported, as the Former learned A - G had stated many times during his term as the Minister for the Economy .
Therefore, Government's efforts to cushion the impacts of inflation is through budgetary measures to support the most vulnerable in our society through the removal of VAT on basic food items and medicines.
We have also increased social protection allowances and directed resources to the agriculture sector to ensure food security.
As Leader of Opposition in 2020, I recall urging the former Minister for Economy that it is important to appreciate that Fiji will continue to face certain challenges and constraints due to our vulnerability and narrow-based economy.
Despite claims of growth, prosperity, and "boom" in the past decade, our average annual economic growth rate barely exceeded 3 percent well below the average growth rate of 4.3% during the Alliance and SVT days.
However, the so-called 'boom' failed to substantially improve income levels and the quality of life for the majority of our people.
Figures provided by the Bureau of Statistics and our development partners confirm that Fiji's economic performance was dismal.
Despite the favorable trading environment since 2017, economic growth was stagnant, because the economy continued to be driven by consumption with low levels of investment.
Based on this premise, development partners including the IMF, continuously reminded the then Minister for Economy to consolidate government finances because of economic headwinds.
Despite this advice, the previous Government continued to take an expansionary approach, focusing on consumption rather than investment.
Government borrowing was directed to consumption rather than investment.
While we have inherited high national debt and limited fiscal space, we will not continue the past practices of inconsistent policies which provide low or no return on investment.
The Opposition Members did not consider these facts when pointing fingers at Government in terms of how the economy has fared in our first year in office.
They must understand that there is always a lag period before an impact is felt in the economy.
The claim by Honorable Koya that Fiji First left us a booming economy is not true. What they left us is a debt burden of almost 100 percent of GDP. Despite the fact of high liquidity in the market, which was around $600m annually.
Investors were reluctant to borrow and played the "wait and see game".
The lack of confidence due to inconsistency of policies, poor law and order, human rights violations, and our low ratings on the ease of doing business ranking are what the Coalition Government has inheritage.
This resulted in lack of employment opportunities and hardship faced by citizens.
I am optimistic that the $3 billion investment in the pipeline will be realized because there is renewed confidence in the economy with more transparency, certainty and consistency of policies.
Foreign Affairs
Honourable Speaker, despite the detailed response by Honourable Qereqeretabua regarding our foreign policy and the reasons for our travels abroad, the Opposition continues to imply that it is a waste of government resources.
I wish to clarify that as Head of Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, travel was necessary to restore trust and respect in the region and internationally.
For us in the Pacific, humility is key to the art of diplomacy.
The previous practice of boasting about "punching above our weight" and "leapfrogging," did not reflect the Pacific Way.
Ocean of Peace
Honourable Speaker, I respect the views of the Honorable Leader of the Opposition and also those spread by the Honorable Usamate but the rules-based international order that provided stability for so long is now under threat. So we need to promote peace.
This proposal is consistent with the UN Charter and the UN Secretary General's "New Agenda for Peace."
Regionally, the concept is consistent with the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent where the Honorable Leader of the Opposition was instrumental in work on.
This proposal aims to restore strategic equilibrium.
It also provides an opportunity to our partners to engage with the peaceful norms of the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.
ICJ
Honourable Speaker, there continues to be willful misunderstanding of Government's submission to the International Court of Justice, on the occupied territories in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Mr. Speaker Sir I reassure the house, we stand for:
(i) sovereignty of nation States;
(ii) the principles of non-aggression, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states, and
(iii) the resolution of conflict by peaceful means according to Chapter VI of the UN Charter.
We will also continue to uphold the integrity of multilateral institutions.
Climate Change
Honourable Speaker, with regard to climate change, we must respond collectively to this great challenge. This requires a multi-sectoral approach across all of government and non-state actors.
Fiji will continue to advocate on the global stage for more ambitious commitment and action, in particular, more funding for loss and damage and climate resilience measures.
Appointments
Honourable Speaker, I want to reiterate that merit is the underlying requirement for all appointments to the Foreign Service, municipal councils and Boards of state-owned entities.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I assure this House that all Heads of Mission appointed met the requirements for the positions.
For boards of public enterprises, the Ministry for Public Enterprises called for expressions of interest. More than 2000 applications were received and appointments were made on merit, in line with the guidelines approved by Cabinet.
Government does not interfere in the appointment of CEOs of public enterprises - these are decisions left to the respective Boards.
Honourable Speaker, it is important to consider that since the expiry of Municipal Councils term in 2009, the performance of Special Administrators have left much to be desired. This is why ratepayers have demanded local elections and reforms are underway to facilitate this.
Many municipal projects were left incomplete due to cost overruns and inefficiencies, for example Lautoka Swimming Pool and Sukuna Park.
Indeed, some were never implemented like the Levuka Market.
Honourable Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to reiterate His Excellency the President's reminder that we focus on our commonalities, rather than our differences.
I call on all Honorable Members to take this message to heart as we work together to build a stronger nation, with social cohesion and unity of purpose.
May God Bless us all and May God Bless Fiji.
Honorable Leader of the Opposition;
Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers;
Honorable Ministers and Assistant Ministers;
Honorable Members of Parliament;
Honorable Speaker, I rise to give my right of reply as the Mover of the Motion before the House.
Once again, I thank His Excellency the President on behalf of this August Assembly, for his address in opening Parliament on Monday 4th March 2024.
Regardless of what and how we said it, we all agree with His Excellency that Honorable Members must exercise national leadership that:
-instills confidence,
-advances unity, equality and harmony,
-embraces diversity, and
-promotes prosperity in all our communities.
No matter how we said it, how loud we said it, that we all agree that we should be trying to do in this House.
His Excellency emphasised the importance of representing the voters of this land, the voices of all the people, even though they have not attained the voting ages. We are representing their voices Mr. Speaker Sir.
We must respect their views and debate sensibly and promote advocacy and uphold principals of democracy.
It is pleasing to note that the majority of Honorable members have expressed their support and embraced the President's advice.
I assure our colleagues in the Opposition that their constructive suggestions and recommendations will be considered by Government as we move forward.
Honorable Usamate's point about the Sugar Industry and elections, may I remind him that opposition at that time had proposed that and we will get to it.
I've got word from the Minister for Sugar this morning, and his point about all Fijians, yes, we agree but I also remind us Honorable Speaker Sir that some Fijians are original land owners, some Fijians are freehold land owners, some Fijians are lesses, some Fijians are lessors and some people live in rural areas and maritime islands and the Government had made a commitment to look after all our citizens.
However, it was sad to note that some Honorable Members continue to deliver political rhetoric and statements lacking facts, logic, context and substance.
Parliamentary debate Sir should be evidence-based, supported by facts and figures from credible sources, rather than the social media or rumors.
I'm sure there many sources available to us, we just have to exercise more caution to find out which really is the credible source.
I am confident that as we move forward, we can build bridges and address challenges facing the nation in the spirit of promoting national unity and communal harmony.
As I saw the students sitting here this morning Mr. Speaker Sir, I am reminded to say some words of encouragement to the parents of those. These children, beautiful looking children, during the debate we heard mentioned of the ills of society of today. We heard about the woes still felt in the rural areas that have no roads or not good roads. Shipping and all those other facilities that we now complain about.
If I was to ask the Honorable Members, Mr. Speaker Sir to put their hand up, if they grew up in maritime island. If they grew up and went to school where there was no road, im sure many of us would put our hands up.
So, I would to Mr. Speaker to as we mention these areas to encourage those in those areas to continue to look after their children, I walked almost one whole day to get to the road Mr. Speaker Sir, when I was going to Bucalevu.
As if were fortunate when we get to the road, we could catch a ride from those PWD trucks that were building the Savusavu to Buca bay Road at that time. There was no proper jetty to get across to Taveuni from the Vanualevu side. We had to go by Velovelo or those little puts to get us to the boats.
I would like to encourage all of us, to encourage those who are coming through those difficult areas and times too soldier on, look after our children so that we not have the problems that we have raised during these debates about street dwellers, about poverty, about school drop outs.
I remember Mr. Speaker Sir, that we were talking about school drop outs during the tea time and the Minister for Education and Assistant Minister were talking about what do we do about school drops outs. After about an hour of talks, they realised that I hadn't said anything.
And I asked them who is school dropout and they said those who do not complete the school system.
What is a complete school system, they go on to university and what do you think? I said Mr. Speaker Sir, we make them Prime Ministers. It is not how far you go in the school; your parents support and your own determination that determines your destiny.
Governance
Honourable Speaker, I reiterate and believe that faith, mutual respect for one another and diversity are what make our nation strong.
If we respect and appreciate each other's different views we will surely find common ground towards achieving our common goals for the betterment of our country. We owe it to the next generation, the future generations to do that collectively.
That is the essence of our democracy - the battle of ideas from which come the best solutions to our challenges.
The formulation of policies through consultations with all stakeholders will create an environment of inclusiveness, ownership and confidence which I will continue to champion.
The People's Coalition Government is not afraid to admit its weaknesses and acknowledge mistakes made.
We are willing to take on board views expressed by any member of society and Honorable members of this house, and we will take those on and act accordingly.
Government will continue to encourage the free exchange of ideas and criticism.
Mr. Speaker Sir, only this week we received a request from Honorable member of the opposition of about the plight of a lady teacher in the west. I'm glad the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education came back the following day that her problem had been solved.
However, we must all recognise that freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
Concerns have been raised by some Honorable Members on the propensity for racial vilification on social media.
I can assure you that Government takes this very seriously. There are laws on cyber bullying and ongoing investigations by relevant authorities on a number of cases.
As individuals we must all exercise restraint, and maturity becoming members of the Parliament of Fiji..
We must also recognise that the standard of debate in this House sets the tone of debate across the nation and among the people in their interactions in person, and online.
Authorities must continue to monitor online communications that may incite communal or religious antagonism and enforce the relevant law accordingly.
Issues relating to the Constitution
Honorable Speaker, I wish to reassure the nation that the Coalition Government will continue to abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.
Responding to calls for review of the Constitution does not mean that the Government disrespects the process required for amendments to the Constitution.
However, the Constitution empowers Cabinet to refer a question of law to the Supreme Court under section 91(5) for clarification of a particular section of the Constitution.
The Economy
Honorable Speaker, while the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance has ably responded to debate on the economy, I wish to highlight a number of key points which I believe the Opposition require clarity.
There has been some discussion on the increasing price of goods and services due to inflation.
We must all appreciate that most of our inflation is actually imported, as the Former learned A - G had stated many times during his term as the Minister for the Economy .
Therefore, Government's efforts to cushion the impacts of inflation is through budgetary measures to support the most vulnerable in our society through the removal of VAT on basic food items and medicines.
We have also increased social protection allowances and directed resources to the agriculture sector to ensure food security.
As Leader of Opposition in 2020, I recall urging the former Minister for Economy that it is important to appreciate that Fiji will continue to face certain challenges and constraints due to our vulnerability and narrow-based economy.
Despite claims of growth, prosperity, and "boom" in the past decade, our average annual economic growth rate barely exceeded 3 percent well below the average growth rate of 4.3% during the Alliance and SVT days.
However, the so-called 'boom' failed to substantially improve income levels and the quality of life for the majority of our people.
Figures provided by the Bureau of Statistics and our development partners confirm that Fiji's economic performance was dismal.
Despite the favorable trading environment since 2017, economic growth was stagnant, because the economy continued to be driven by consumption with low levels of investment.
Based on this premise, development partners including the IMF, continuously reminded the then Minister for Economy to consolidate government finances because of economic headwinds.
Despite this advice, the previous Government continued to take an expansionary approach, focusing on consumption rather than investment.
Government borrowing was directed to consumption rather than investment.
While we have inherited high national debt and limited fiscal space, we will not continue the past practices of inconsistent policies which provide low or no return on investment.
The Opposition Members did not consider these facts when pointing fingers at Government in terms of how the economy has fared in our first year in office.
They must understand that there is always a lag period before an impact is felt in the economy.
The claim by Honorable Koya that Fiji First left us a booming economy is not true. What they left us is a debt burden of almost 100 percent of GDP. Despite the fact of high liquidity in the market, which was around $600m annually.
Investors were reluctant to borrow and played the "wait and see game".
The lack of confidence due to inconsistency of policies, poor law and order, human rights violations, and our low ratings on the ease of doing business ranking are what the Coalition Government has inheritage.
This resulted in lack of employment opportunities and hardship faced by citizens.
I am optimistic that the $3 billion investment in the pipeline will be realized because there is renewed confidence in the economy with more transparency, certainty and consistency of policies.
Foreign Affairs
Honourable Speaker, despite the detailed response by Honourable Qereqeretabua regarding our foreign policy and the reasons for our travels abroad, the Opposition continues to imply that it is a waste of government resources.
I wish to clarify that as Head of Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, travel was necessary to restore trust and respect in the region and internationally.
For us in the Pacific, humility is key to the art of diplomacy.
The previous practice of boasting about "punching above our weight" and "leapfrogging," did not reflect the Pacific Way.
Ocean of Peace
Honourable Speaker, I respect the views of the Honorable Leader of the Opposition and also those spread by the Honorable Usamate but the rules-based international order that provided stability for so long is now under threat. So we need to promote peace.
This proposal is consistent with the UN Charter and the UN Secretary General's "New Agenda for Peace."
Regionally, the concept is consistent with the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent where the Honorable Leader of the Opposition was instrumental in work on.
This proposal aims to restore strategic equilibrium.
It also provides an opportunity to our partners to engage with the peaceful norms of the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.
ICJ
Honourable Speaker, there continues to be willful misunderstanding of Government's submission to the International Court of Justice, on the occupied territories in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Mr. Speaker Sir I reassure the house, we stand for:
(i) sovereignty of nation States;
(ii) the principles of non-aggression, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states, and
(iii) the resolution of conflict by peaceful means according to Chapter VI of the UN Charter.
We will also continue to uphold the integrity of multilateral institutions.
Climate Change
Honourable Speaker, with regard to climate change, we must respond collectively to this great challenge. This requires a multi-sectoral approach across all of government and non-state actors.
Fiji will continue to advocate on the global stage for more ambitious commitment and action, in particular, more funding for loss and damage and climate resilience measures.
Appointments
Honourable Speaker, I want to reiterate that merit is the underlying requirement for all appointments to the Foreign Service, municipal councils and Boards of state-owned entities.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I assure this House that all Heads of Mission appointed met the requirements for the positions.
For boards of public enterprises, the Ministry for Public Enterprises called for expressions of interest. More than 2000 applications were received and appointments were made on merit, in line with the guidelines approved by Cabinet.
Government does not interfere in the appointment of CEOs of public enterprises - these are decisions left to the respective Boards.
Honourable Speaker, it is important to consider that since the expiry of Municipal Councils term in 2009, the performance of Special Administrators have left much to be desired. This is why ratepayers have demanded local elections and reforms are underway to facilitate this.
Many municipal projects were left incomplete due to cost overruns and inefficiencies, for example Lautoka Swimming Pool and Sukuna Park.
Indeed, some were never implemented like the Levuka Market.
Honourable Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to reiterate His Excellency the President's reminder that we focus on our commonalities, rather than our differences.
I call on all Honorable Members to take this message to heart as we work together to build a stronger nation, with social cohesion and unity of purpose.
May God Bless us all and May God Bless Fiji.