Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged public servants to enforce laws judiciously, emphasizing the importance of applying common sense in their actions. This call to action comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving a Land Transport Authority officer who issued a $150 fine to a 60-year-old woman in Rakiraki over issues pertaining to her bus card.
The situation sparked significant outrage on social media after a video of the incident was shared widely, prompting both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport to respond. In his statement, Prime Minister Rabuka advocated for a more reasonable interpretation of the law, suggesting that the situation could have been handled more compassionately. He expressed that the officer could have simply permitted the elderly woman to proceed to the next station to recharge her card, avoiding the penalty altogether.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and understanding in public service, particularly when it involves vulnerable members of the community.
Overall, Prime Minister Rabuka’s response underscores a hopeful message that public servants can balance enforcing laws while also considering the human element involved in each situation. By advocating for reason and compassion, there is potential for positive change in how public interactions are managed.
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