Police Commissioner Esala Teleni (photo) admits the police force is split over measures he has imposed on the force, with next to no consultation, but he has made no move to heal the split. I really can't make any sense of this. Click here for what he has to say.
Why does he think the police force will be improved if it adopts military-style discipline? The two have different roles and different roles require different disciplines.
Why has he banned yaqona (kava) in police residential premises? How off-duty officers spend their leisure should be none of his concern unless they are breaking the law, which they are not. Yaqona is part of the Fijian (and Fiji) way of life. Its occasional abuse should not result in a wholesale ban.
Why has he imposed his evangelising Christian beliefs on Christians of other persuasions, and non Christians? His claim that his Jesus Crusades lower crime rates is an insufficient reason to force Muslim, Hindu and non-New Methodist Christian officers to toe his line -- or leave the force (An unbelievable demand!). He trespasses against the genuinely held beliefs of others, ridicules religious freedom, and writes big question marks against Bainimarama's "visions."
And -- this is the really big why -- does Bainimarama and Government tolerate the imposition of these measures that run counter to the better Fiji they claim to espouse?
My only explanations are that Bainimarama, in recognition of Teleni's loyalty stretching back to before the coup, is reluctant to move against such a loyal comrade, because of the loyalty, and because it could unravel the unity of the Military Council that underpins government, and is essential for its intended reforms. If I've hit a bull's-eye, Bainimarama must still see to it that the religious beliefs of police officers are respected, and that Teleni's toe-the-line-or-else threats cease. Let him carry on, if he must, with the Jesus Crusades but not with unwilling police officers.
3 comments:
Religious fanatics in all size and shapes should be stopped- if Taleni is really doing as reported, then he is no different from Methodist Church which imposed Sunday Ban and road blocks. He has no business stopping people frpm drinking grog at their home. He should also pass a decree stopping sdultery and impose rules on how many times a week police officers should indulge in sexual activities.
If Bainimarama is unable to control his lose cannons ( if that is what reportedly Teleni is,then he may lose his plot.
If Teleni really wants to change things, he should impose these rules on those who are more likely to commit crime- they are Christians who make over 80% of Fiji jail population. Teach them about the Lord and leave alone Hindus and Muslims and other Eastern religions which have proved that their flock are practising what their scriprures preach them.
Police professional standards are in the main global in their reach. Today, the Police forces of the world must co-operate to reduce crime. No co-operation across borders, no reduction in: human trafficking, on-line money laundering and paedophilia, solicitation of money and credit card and banking details on-line. The Police Force must be urgently e-government capacitised and trained to give service to the public, which pays them. They only exist to prevent crime and to offer service to the public. They should also be pro-active in reducing the 'occasions of crime'. So, we are looking for Crime-free Cities and Towns and settlements. We are looking for courteous and respectful service and attention in Police Stations and Posts across the country without differentiation. We are looking to see that all Police Officers, no matter their race, creed or background are: honest and upright servants of the Fiji Public. They must be courageous as their judicial brothers and sisters have been urged to be. Justice is the end that is required. Simple and clear. The people of Fiji deserve justice - nothing must stand in its way. No one is above this or outside this.
According to the news this religious fundamentalism is extending to the civil service.This is dangerous not only because it excludes those of other persuasions, but also because a combination of policing and religion creates an unbalanced legal order. If you are a New Methodist the law is different for you? Come on, if the government is serious about building an equal society, it must insist on an Ataturk type of secularism. It loses credibility if it does not rein in Teleni.
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