PM calls on Fijians to reject racial, religious intolerance

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on Fijians to reject racial and religious intolerance and speak out against attempts to divide the country.

In his national address marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed, Mr Rabuka said Fiji’s diversity must be protected through respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

“We must continue to reject racial and religious intolerance wherever it appears. We must teach our young people to respect people whose beliefs or backgrounds may be different from their own. We must have the courage to speak against words and actions that seek to divide us,” Mr Rabuka said.

He warned that division, rather than diversity, posed a threat to the nation.

“A Fiji where our children grow up understanding that diversity does not weaken a nation — division does.”

Mr Rabuka said Fiji must ensure that no citizen felt less Fijian because of religion, ethnicity, language or cultural background.

“A Fiji where no person feels less Fijian because of his or her religion, ethnicity, language or cultural background.”

He said maintaining peace was not solely the responsibility of governments or religious and community leaders.

“Peace begins at home.

“It begins in how we see and speak with one another.

“It begins in how we treat our neighbours.

“It begins in the respect we show to another person’s faith and culture.

“It begins when we refuse to allow prejudice, intolerance, even hatred, to find a place in our communities.”

Mr Rabuka said Fiji should resolve differences through dialogue rather than confrontation, consistent with its aspiration to be an Ocean of Peace.

“Fiji must continue to choose a different path — a path of understanding, of moderation and peace consistent with our aspiration for Fiji and for our wider Pacific region: that differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation, and that peace must always be protected and nurtured.”

He acknowledged the contribution of Muslim Fijians to education, agriculture, commerce, the professions, public service, charitable work and community development.

“The Muslim community has long been an integral part of Fiji’s national journey.”

Mr Rabuka also linked national unity with Fiji’s longer-term economic ambitions under Vision 2050, including achieving higher-income status and sustaining annual economic growth of six per cent.

He said the teachings of Prophet Mohammed on compassion, justice, generosity, respect and caring for vulnerable people remained relevant to Fiji.

“We are a country of diverse communities, but we share one Fiji and one future.”