National Federation Party condemns racist threats by Fiji Teacher's Association General Secretary, calls for Criminal charges.

The National Federation Party strongly condemns the racist and threatening statements published on Facebook by Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, in which he questioned the right of fellow Fijians to belong in this country and threatened to catch people and roast them in earth ovens.

Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad described the statements as disgraceful, dangerous and potentially criminal, and called upon the Fiji Police Force to take immediate action. He said the party’s assistant general secretary Apenisa Vatuniveivuke will lodge a complaint at the Totogo Police Station tomorrow (Friday) morning.

“This is racial hatred accompanied by threats of horrific violence. It is absolutely reprehensible that such language should come from the General Secretary of an organisation representing teachers, who are entrusted with educating our children and shaping the values of future generations,” Professor Prasad said.

“Mr Manumanunitoga must understand that Indo-Fijians are not foreigners in this country. We are not guests, and we are not here on anyone’s sufferance. Our ancestors helped build this nation, and generations of our people have called Fiji home. We are Fijians, and nobody has the right to tell us otherwise.”

Professor Prasad said respect for traditional chiefs must never be exploited to justify racial intimidation or threats of violence against other communities.

“Our chiefs deserve respect, and the NFP has always advocated that Chiefs have a place in our Society. But,  their standing in our society cannot become an excuse for threatening fellow citizens. There is a fundamental difference between defending traditional institutions and promoting hatred against another community.”

The NFP believes the statements warrant urgent investigation under Section 17 of the Public Order Act 1969, concerning incitement of racial antagonism, and Sections 65(2) and 375 of the Crimes Act 2009, concerning communal antagonism and criminal intimidation respectively.

“I am calling upon the Commissioner of Police to investigate these statements immediately and lay criminal charges against Mr Manumanunitoga where the evidence establishes an offence”, Professor Prasad said.

“The FTA must also recognise the seriousness of having its General Secretary publicly associated with such statements. Those occupying positions of leadership in our educational institutions and professional organisations must be held to the highest standards of responsibility.”

Professor Prasad said Fiji had endured enough racial division, intimidation and political upheaval, and warned against allowing such prejudices to become normalised in public discourse.

“No Fijian should have to defend their right to belong in the country of their birth. We cannot build a peaceful nation while tolerating threats against people because of their ethnicity.

“Fiji belongs equally to all its citizens. Racism must have consequences, and those who threaten violence against fellow Fijians must be held accountable.”

Professor Biman Prasad

Leader