Xinhuanet reports that the Public Emergency Regulations (PER) have been extended for another month, from 3rd December. This announcement has not yet been published by Fiji's on-line media.
While one can understand the need for their continuation (the previous post records numerous calls for violence in the anti-Government blogs), this blog urges Governnment to be as flexible as possible in their application.
As indicated in an earlier posting, I would commend greater media freedom (with "yellow warning cards" issued to media that transgress acceptable boundaries) and freedom of assembly. It is, I think, absolutely essential that reasonable men and women should feel free to openly and collectively discuss the Roadmap and issues relating to electoral and constitutional reform way before next year's official discussions.
The blanket application of PER will result in Government's opponents rubbing their hands in delight for they know PER does more than check anti-Government elements; it also alienates Fiji's "middle ground" and sidelines many who may otherwise support Government's plans for the future. For Fiji's -- and for Government's -- sake the Regulations need to be applied only selectively, and lifted progressively and then totally as soon as possible in the New Year.
1 comment:
It is most unlikely that Fiji's "Middle Ground" will be alienated while Court Cases proceed with those charged with serious Abuse of Office/Converting Public Money to private use/Inciting Mutiny and other such offences. All of these cases are so large in scope that security of ordinary people going about their daily lives may be impinged upon. Most thinking and sensible people within Fiji know why the PER must be maintained for now.
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