11 Jul 2005

Fiji Military commander warns it will not allow the RandU bill to become law

5:22 pm on 11 July 2005

Fiji's military commander has warned that it will not allow the Qarase government's Reconciliation and Unity Bill to become law.

Commodore Bainimarama, has told Radio Legend the powers of the judiciary, the director of public prosecutions, the police commissioner and the army commander will be neutralised if the Bill is passed.

He says these institutions brought about stability to Fiji after the coup.

Commodore Bainimarama says the military cannot allow the proposed legislation to go through as it could produce lawlessness in Fiji and confrontation between the military and the government.

He says the end result of such confrontation will be no jobs, no tourists, and no markets for farmers, while government Bill pushers will still be paid because they are government workers.

Commodore Bainimarama says the government is misleading the chiefs of Fiji and indigenous Fijians in rural areas.

He says the chiefs should be responsible and think about the consequences of this Bill.

Commodore Bainimarama has also called for the resignation of the home affairs minister, Josefa Vosanibola if he cannot push for the withdrawal of the Reconciliation and Unity Bill in cabinet.