Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has welcomed the submission by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander to remove the immunity clause from the Constitution.

He highlighted that the recommendation is one of several proposals that will be considered through the Constitution Review process before any decision is made.
Rabuka added that the recommendations will first go to Cabinet, where they will be assessed with the involvement of the Solicitor-General before any proposed legislative changes are drafted and, if required, incorporated into the Constitution.

“It’s like all the other recommendations that will be submitted from the commission to His Excellency and to Parliament, sorry to Cabinet first, with the participation of the Solicitor-General to work on the bills that will eventually make it into the various laws, or into the Constitution where necessary” Rabuka highlighted.

When asked whether he supports the Commander’s call despite the immunity provisions also covering him, the Prime Minister said he has no personal concern over the issue.

“No. I’m not protected by the…. it changed in 1987 does not protect me. I’m free anyway” he said.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa