The Fiji military has warned an opposition party over its claim that the people's security lies with the goodwill of all communities, particularly the indigenous i-Taukei.
The military's Chief of Staff Strategic Colonel Jone Kalouniwai said the statement by Pio Tikoduadua of the National Federation Party was an affront to the military.
Col Kalouniwai said the constitution mandates the military to have overall responsibility for security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
He said Mr Tikoduadua's remarks add to the increasing rhetoric of using communal divisions through ethnicity, race and religion to push a specific agenda for political gains.
Fiji was due to hold elections next year - four years after the first post-coup election gave the erstwhile coup leader Frank Bainimarama an overwhelming majority.
Mr Tikoduadua headed the prime minister's office from 2008 and was at the regime's side when it brought in the new constitution.
