The people of Fiji have been reminded that any form of instability can hinder economic development.

These comments were made by the Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in regards to sedition charges against several Fijians.

He said: “If the economy goes down there will be less jobs and there will be an inability to invest in infrastructure. Therefore, that connectivity needs to be drawn and it is what is critical.”

The Acting Prime Minister said this hindrance would come down to affecting the daily livelihoods.

“In the end of the day people have to live and they need to have decent living, sustain jobs, they need to have their children go to school – and with free schooling.

“In order to that to all continue we need to have stability!”

He highlighted rebellious activities will not help our country move forward.

Silence slammed

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also slammed the lack of condemnation from political parties on the issue of sedition.

“And any responsible Government or Party needs to say that any destabilisation is not good for the country. Everything is under control but the fact is that destabilisation is not good for the country.

“Any political party which is interested in the progress of this country needs to condemn such activities. These people are of course innocent unless proven guilty but it does not mean that a Party cannot comment that any form of destabilisation is bad for the country.”

Investment

The 2014 National Elections has served as a platform for growth in the Fiji economy. However, with recent opposition to Government’s effort, economic growth can be hindered.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said: “Of course overseas investors and even local investors will always look to those markers in a society.

“If they see something illegal that could happen or could be an interruption to the legal framework, they will hold back on investment, they will hold back on trying to create jobs.”

Assurance

The Acting Minister reminded the people of Fiji not to fear and believe in the legal framework.

He said: “People should really not panic, the security agencies are doing their job and we obviously depend on them to address this issue.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted the importance of following the proper channel.

“If the people of Fiji want to vote out a particular party from Government they do that through the polls.

“So let’s stick to that and if people want to change Government they can do that when elections come around,” he added.

However, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum reminded the people of Fiji to understand that at the end of the day it is the Fijian people’s livelihoods at stake.

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