Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging public servants to interpret and apply the law with common sense. His comments follow a recent incident involving a Land Transport Authority officer who issued a $150 fine to a 60-year-old woman in Rakiraki over issues related to her bus card.
The incident sparked significant backlash on social media, prompting responses from both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport. In his statement, Rabuka emphasized the importance of reasonableness in the application of the law, suggesting that a more compassionate approach could have been taken. He pointed out that the matter could have been easily resolved by allowing the elderly woman to travel to the next station to recharge her card, rather than imposing a penalty.
This call for empathy and understanding in public service is a hopeful reminder that sometimes a simple act of kindness can create a more positive outcome. As public servants respond to the needs of citizens, prioritizing compassion alongside adherence to the law can foster a more supportive and understanding community.
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