Police makes submission on National Flag Protection Bill and Coat of Arms Bill

The Fiji Police Force has called on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights to specify and address the role of the police in the National Flag Protection Bill and the Coat of Arms Bill.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Isikeli Ligairi today gave their submissions to the committee and said that Police are one of the leading agencies in enforcing law and while going through both the Bills, they are of the view that police functions and roles are not stated.

Ligairi asked the committee to spell out the powers of the police.

He has also called on the committee to consider a section dealing with Fiji citizens living overseas who commit an offence that is publicized through the social media outside the country.

This is in terms of any destruction, throwing or burning of the flag.

Following the submission, Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula asked the Deputy Police Commissioner whether he feels that any change to the flag should require the support of majority of the Members of Parliament and the registered voters.

Isikeli Ligairi said he will not answer this question.

While answering Committee chairman Ashneel Sudhakar’s question, Ligairi said the time frame is sufficient for the current Fijian flag not to be allowed to be used for commercial or trademark purposes 31 days after the new Fijian Flag is declared.

When Nawaikula asked about the cost involved in the Police Force changing the emblem in the police uniform after the flag and coat of arms is changed, Ligairi refrained from answering this question.

However, he said that not much cost is involved.

Ligairi said the penalties for the offences stated in relation to the National Flag Protection Bill and the Coat of Arms Bill are sufficient and is a deterrent.

The committee will continue to hear submissions on the bill from the Prime Minister’s Office tomorrow.