Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, highlighting themes of peace, inclusivity, tolerance, and ethical conduct. His remarks were made in celebration of the Prophet’s birthday, which is observed by Fiji’s Muslim community.
Professor Prasad acknowledged that the principles of social, ethical, moral, and religious conduct serve as foundational elements for the advancement of society, economy, and politics. He recognized the essential contributions of all religious groups to the nation, particularly noting the important role of the Muslim community in fostering progress.
He stressed that these values are critical for cultivating lasting peace, harmony, and tolerance, as well as promoting inclusivity, equality, dignity, and justice. Professor Prasad recalled a historic moment in 1974 when the National Federation Party, under Leader Hon Siddiq Moidin Koya, collaborated with then-Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to establish Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and Diwali as public holidays, demonstrating bipartisanship for the national good.
In closing, he extended warm wishes to the Muslim community for a blessed celebration of their Prophet’s birthday, acknowledging the nation’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious fabric.