What was once silenced is now debated openly: Tabuya

What was once silenced is now debated openly, this is not distraction but real democracy at work.

This is the statement made by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya as she defended the Coalition Government’s constitutional reform agenda and commissions of inquiry.

Ms Tabuya rejected claims that these processes were distractions or political drama.

“They show our commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform after 16 years of authoritarian rule.”

“For too long, silence and control were mistaken for stability.

“Today, Fijians are experiencing open debate, judicial review, and independent inquiries. These are normal in strong democracies around the world, and Fiji is now practising them too,” she said.

She described the Commission of Inquiry into FICAC as “an important step to hold institutions accountable.”

“Allegations that would once have been hidden were investigated openly by an independent judge. Seventeen recommendations were made, and Government has already started reforms to strengthen appointment laws and oversight.”

Ms Tabuya also pointed to the July 2025 Supreme Court ruling.

“The Supreme Court confirmed the 2013 Constitution as the supreme law but also set out a new democratic pathway for amendments: two thirds of Parliament plus a national referendum. For the first time in Fiji’s history, the people, not just politicians, will have the final say on constitutional change.”

At the same time, the Minister highlighted “real results” delivered by Government:

• Civil servants and teachers have received at least a 10% pay rise; retirement age is back to 60; short-term contracts are gone.
• Over 150km of rural roads have been upgraded since 2023, with $400m committed to further works.
• A record $215m has been allocated to water projects, focusing on villages relying on boreholes.
• 3,000 households have been connected under the Rural Electrification Scheme.
• The largest health budget in Fiji’s history has funded 500 new medical staff and major hospital upgrades.
• VAT reduced with 22 items VAT Free, with bus fare assistance and increase in social welfare.
• Investment projects worth billions of dollars initiated in the last two years period.

“Democracy can sometimes be noisy, but that is a sign of progress, not weakness,” Ms Tabuya said.

“The Coalition Government will continue to grow the economy, deliver services, and improve infrastructure while also reforming institutions and strengthening Fiji’s democratic foundations.”