Inconsistent messaging and decision-making by the government have contributed to a perception of “self-serving leaders” and led to a decline in public trust, according to the newly released National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) unveiled in Suva.
The report highlights significant concerns relating to national security expressed by various stakeholders, with trust emerging as a crucial theme. It emphasizes that building trust is essential to Fiji’s national security framework and calls for efforts to restore public faith in the government and its key institutions, notably the military and police.
Community stakeholders expressed concerns about government inefficiency, nepotism, and corruption, attributing these issues to a legacy of authoritarianism from prior administrations. The report also noted the necessity for the Coalition Government to be sensitive in its decision-making and communication strategies.
An example cited was the decision to raise salaries for parliamentarians, followed shortly by the announcement of a delay in welfare payments for those in need. This inconsistency fuels the perception that government officials prioritize their interests.
The NSDR expressed fears that a lack of community trust and confidence in the government and public institutions could lead to decreased civic engagement and threaten the stability of Fiji’s democracy.
To restore and retain public trust, lawmakers are urged to tackle the root causes of these perceptions, actively engage with communities, and treat them as essential contributors to national development and unity. The actions of parliamentarians should be transparent, accountable, and genuinely committed to the public’s wellbeing.