FIJI TIMES Friday, August 08, 2008
THE Pacific Centre for Public Integrity has called on the public to reject the recommendation of an expanded role of the military in civilian affairs and national governance.
PCPI executive director Angie Heffernan says stability and full democracy in Fiji would never be secured if the military was given more power.
"The military's role does not need to be redefined nor expanded because the Constitution defines its role," she said.
Ms Heffernan said the army had allowed itself to be manipulated by people greedy for power.
"Fiji has a military strength that is ridiculous for the size of its population and as long as we feed the monster we have chosen not to take to task, Fiji will continue to be vulnerable to coups perpetuated with the military's help."
She said the architects of the charter failed miserably in recommending tough and sensible options in dealing with the army.
"It is clear there needs to be a concerted policy of downsizing the military and this should be linked to the overall public sector reforms. Their proposed solution is a poorly disguised attempt to pacify and accommodate an institution whose leaders refuse to accept the role clearly laid down for them in the Constitution."
TASS head John Samy said any changes to the Constitution would only be done through political dialogue.
Heffernan calls on his to read the constitution.
Mr Samy said if the document was truly a People's charter than it was not all about the government or the constitution but about the citizens of Fiji making a commitment as individuals.
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