Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), has expressed his belief that the military should revert to its traditional role as defined before November 2006. In an interview with The Fiji Times, Ratu Viliame emphasized that this adjustment is essential and should be considered in the review of the 2013 Constitution.
He noted that the military’s responsibilities were clearly defined in the 1970 Constitution and that politicizing the military undermines the morale of its personnel. Ratu Viliame pointed out that the current provisions in the 2013 Constitution seemed designed to benefit specific individuals rather than the military as a whole.
According to Section 131 of the 2013 Constitution, the primary duty of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is to safeguard the security, defense, and wellbeing of Fiji and its citizens. Ratu Viliame also highlighted the need to reconsider other constitutional provisions that limit the use of national resources. He referenced a recent forum with resource owners who are eager for legal changes, particularly regarding the Mining Act, which the Minister of Lands indicated cannot be amended until the Constitution is revised.
Additionally, he referred to a recent lecture by Australian constitutional law expert Professor Anthony Regan, who criticized the language of the 2013 Constitution. Ratu Viliame expressed concern that the unclear wording creates uncertainty during a critical time in the nation’s history, asserting that it is essential to address these issues promptly as the world does not stand still.
He stressed the importance of developing the country’s resources effectively to keep pace with global progress.