Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging Fijians to remain calm and not allow religious, racial or political divisions to emerge following the presentation of the Constitution Review Commission’s report and recommendations.

The Prime Minister’s appeal comes amid concerns over a recommendation relating to Fiji’s status as a secular state.

Rabuka stressed that the Commission’s proposals are only recommendations and are not decisions of Government, with Cabinet now expected to carefully consider the report before determining the way forward.

“I am aware that there is particular concern about the recommendation relating to Fiji’s status as a secular state,” Rabuka said.

The Prime Minister, whose Christian faith he says is well known, maintained that declaring Fiji a Christian state is not what makes the country Christian.

He said Christianity should instead be reflected in the way people live through humility, kindness, compassion, hard work, service and love for one another.

Rabuka also sought to reassure members of Fiji’s Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other religious communities that their faith, freedom and place in the country must never be threatened.

“They are an integral part of our nation, and their right to practise their faith freely must always be respected and protected,” he said.

The Prime Minister has also appealed to political leaders to exercise responsibility in their public comments as debate over the Commission’s recommendations continues.

He warned against turning the national discussion into a political, racial or religious battle, saying different views on the recommendations can be expressed without creating division.

Rabuka also raised concerns about commentary from anonymous social media accounts and online trolls which he says is attempting to create anger, fear and panic.

He urged Fijians not to allow misinformation or inflammatory rhetoric to divide the country.