Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica has emphasized that rebuilding the nation is a key aspect of the Coalition Government’s commitment to stability. He acknowledged that stability has recently gained attention and is something everyone should value. However, Kamikamica pointed out that stability cannot be achieved with a mere snap of the fingers.
In response to the newly released National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) report, which indicated that inconsistent messaging from the government has fostered perceptions of “self-serving leaders,” Kamikamica noted that the previous administration’s actions have fueled public concerns and diminished trust in government.
The NSDR report highlights numerous issues regarding national security, with trust emerging as a significant theme. Kamikamica stressed that the conduct of the government over the past 16 years has raised several concerns about trust. He reiterated that achieving stability requires an emphasis on trust.
The report’s findings highlighted that public trust was a critical element of Fiji’s national security architecture, urging that all efforts be directed towards restoring confidence in the Government and its essential institutions, particularly the military and police.
Community stakeholders have expressed their views on government inefficiency, nepotism, and corruption, attributing these issues to an authoritarian legacy from the previous administration. In light of this, Kamikamica’s call for stability necessitates collective action to provide a unified front, moving beyond mere discussions.
The necessity of focusing on stability has become increasingly relevant in national discourse, highlighting its significance for the future. Questions arise, such as whether the government will reinforce stability through trust and how this will be implemented.
Will it involve better communication? A commitment to combating corruption? Given the mixed messages following the 2006 coup regarding anti-corruption efforts, the need for clear and consistent messaging is evident.
Actions will indeed have a greater impact than words. A shared vision for a better Fiji rooted in trust and stability will require collective effort, accountability, transparency, and unity. While trust may be diminished currently, the choice lies between inaction or concerted efforts to rebuild faith in our systems and our future. This endeavor is far from simple.
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