Fiji's Opposition has described plans to change the national flag as irresponsible and is insisting on a referendum.
Fiji Live reports the SODELPA MP Bill Gavoka saying the government cannot say the colonial symbols are no longer relevant.
He says it is irresponsible for the government to encourage this kind of dialogue at this point in the country's development.
National Federation Party Leader Biman Prasad says given the importance and value of something that is both historical and a national symbol, it is only right that the people decide.
Mr Prasad says there have been strong opinions both sides of the debate so there needs to be more discussion and time taken.
However the Prime Minister says he will be writing to the Leader of Opposition soon for her nominees to a committee that will be set up to judge a national competition for the design of the flag.
Frank Bainimarama also brushed aside comments by Mr Prasad that there are bigger priorities for the government to focus on.
He says his Government has the capability of addressing more than one issue at a time.
