Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia emphasized that Fiji’s development should be gauged not by political speeches but by tangible actions benefiting the people. In a response to His Excellency’s speech in Parliament, Bia articulated the need for government officials to act as servants to the citizens, asserting, “We should not impose our rule on the people, but let the people of Fiji impose their voice on the way we want to rule for the country.”
He criticized the notion that citizens should serve the government, stressing instead the necessity for Members of Parliament to prioritize the welfare of all Fijians. Bia stated, “We should not expect them to deliver when we are not prioritizing the welfare and the collective interest of all Fijians at every level of our society.”
Further addressing social media’s role, Bia highlighted its potential as a constructive tool rather than a platform for hostility. He called on all Fijians to work collectively in utilizing social media responsibly, pointing out, “No one benefits from spreading toxic and inflammatory speech. There is no medal for being a source of misinformation and fake news.” He reiterated that leaders must lead by example in promoting respectful online behavior.
This message aligns with recent calls from President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who also emphasized the importance of responsible social media use during the Parliament’s opening session. He expressed deep concerns over online hostility and misinformation, urging individuals and social media platforms to foster respectful discourse. The shared sentiments from both leaders suggest a growing commitment in Fiji to foster a healthy political climate, encouraging citizens to engage responsibly in public dialogue.
The combined efforts of parliamentarians and leaders to promote accountability and constructive online behavior point toward a hopeful future for Fiji, where citizens can actively participate in democracy without fear of harassment or misinformation. This atmosphere of collaboration may very well pave the way for a brighter and more unified nation.
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