Editorial: A Reflection Of One Year In Office

The good, the bad and the need for improvement.

That's pretty much a summary of how  the Coalition Government can be described after its one year in office.

We need not look any further than our neighbouring countries and Pacific Island governments to conclude that no government is perfect.

But thanks to a new coalition, there have been many positive changes that are worthy of acknowledgment.

The historic repeal of the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) 2010, sent the new Government's rating to skyrocket.

It was a relief, for many who had, for 16 long years, been denied the right to speak their minds.

The draconian laws governing MIDA were nonsensical in that it prevented the media fraternity from carrying out one of the industry's most critical missions to 'hold power to account'.

But that repeal did not mean that the media and anyone else speak or report without a filter.

Media executives needed to ensure that their journalists conducted their due diligence and question the powers that be.

The removal of those on the Fiji's blacklist, like the late Dr Brij Lal, the high chief Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, and others, were praised by many.

In all three political parties' campaign trail, each had promised to consult the people more.

The Coalition Government lived up to this by creating platforms to engage the public at large on critical topics such as inputs for the national budget, the Great Council of Chiefs review, and the education summit, to name a few.

While many have had opposing views of meetings of this kind, the consultations which some had a few in attendance, paved the way forward for an engaging Fiji.

Prior to that, many argued there was a lack of consultations for issues on the wellbeing and economy of Fiji.

Additionally, the much-needed reduced allowances for ministers was another breakthrough.

While they were in Opposition, the ministers argued about the exorbitant allowances chewed up by their predecessors. Although that was implemented in the last quarter, some still questioned its delay but still it happened.

Furthermore, the removal of the unpopular restriction on women using their married names also came as a sigh of relief and empowerment for women, especially those in leadership.

However, Unity Fiji leader and former Governor for the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Savenaca Narube, questioned the pace at which progress was taking place.

In the beginning, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's trail of traditional apologies questioned his somewhat soft leadership as opposed to his predecessor's firmness.

Some passing sarcastic remarks on:

'Here's the change you've always wanted?' or with pictures after pictures of certain ministers sitting around a grog bowl.

Also, the all-too-sudden suspension of both the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions, which to this day has not made any progress.

The fact that these top public officials are still being paid for their inactive service has raised a lot of criticism.

In addition, the back-and-forth decisions by the Prime Minister on headline topics such as the Permanent Secretary for Education debacle, the failed Cabinet reshuffle, and the failed attempt to dismantle the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) were some noteworthy setbacks that questioned its intellect.

All in all, the head of Government has taken this in stride.

It is a clear indication that while his Government has the means to carry out major decisions for the nation, he also wants to listen and learn from what his critics say on the sidelines.

That alone says a lot about a man who, at one point in history, caused unimaginable grief and destruction for the economy and people of Fiji.

As he concludes himself:

"Those who criticise the government have their significance and value in rebuilding the nation.

"I include parliamentary opposition and political parties too in this for their willingness to join hands with us on crucial issues.

This helps us in the task of unifying the country."

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