Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is under fire for what an Independent Opposition MP Ketan Lal has labelled a “weak, timid” and “empty” response to dangerous online calls for civil disobedience.
In a statement, Mr Lal criticised Mr Rabuka’s remarks urging Fijians to “remain calm” and “await the Supreme Court’s opinion,” calling them inadequate amid rising public anxiety.
“Words alone do not address the very real fear and anxiety that ordinary Fijians are now feeling after reading such inciteful posts online,” he said.
“Fijians are not looking for speeches. They are looking for leadership backed by action. The Prime Minister has failed to show that.”
The Opposition MP condemned what he described as a “deafening silence” on concrete government action, warning that inflammatory social media posts are not harmless.
“These kinds of posts are not harmless chatter. They stoke fear, division, and instability in our communities.”
“Fijians still remember the pain and trauma of past civil disobedience. To allow this rhetoric to fester unchecked is irresponsible governance.”
Mr Lal called on the Prime Minister to direct law enforcement to act swiftly:
“He must step up. He must direct the authorities to investigate and hold to account those suggesting or even encouraging civil disobedience.”
“Platitudes and press statements will not calm families who are now worried about their safety.”
“Fijians deserve a Prime Minister who leads with courage, not one who hides behind press releases.”
