22 Jun 2015

Fiji PM says final flag designs no longer final

12:54 pm on 22 June 2015

The Fiji Prime Minister says none of the final 23 designs chosen by the National Flag Committee is locked in stone.

A selection of the finalists of Fiji's new flag

A selection of the finalists of Fiji's new flag Photo: newfijiflag.com

Following a public backlash after the final entries were released, Frank Bainimarama has told the public that they should suggest new ones if they aren't happy.

Mr Bainimarama said the quest for a new flag is a national "crusade" and Fiji needed to get it right - focusing on the future and not the country's colonial past.

The 23 designs carry many similarities between them and have been criticised for not being the original designs submitted by the public as part of the national competition.

A committee member says the committee chose five finalists and was then instructed by the Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, to select more options.

The designs are due to go to cabinet next month and eventually the Parliament for a vote.

A submission to Parliament to request the matter go to the people for a referendum was rejected.

A billboard outside Vatuwaqa Primary School, authorised by the Fiji Government.

A billboard outside Vatuwaqa Primary School, authorised by the Fiji Government. Photo: Supplied

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs