Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says running the country with emergency powers has provided stability to allow reforms and change which he says have been for the betterment of society.
The comment comes in a Ministry of Information release on the eve of the lifting of the emergency regulations, which his regime imposed in 2009 after the appeal court had ruled that his post-coup interim administration was illegal.
Commodore Bainimarama says his reforms have resulted in a decrease in crime and brought about a stable society that has outlawed institutionalised racism and seen unprecedented investments in education and health care.
He warns that the regime will not tolerate an iota of disruption to the peace, safety, stability and common and equal citizenry Fiji now enjoys.
He says the Public Order Act has been modernised and allows no person to be detained for more than 14 days before being brought before the court.
He contrasts that with the situation in countries like Britain, Singapore and the US, which allow for prolonged or indefinite detention.
