Do not listen to people who are trying to destroy Fiji - PM

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama said some of the incidents that have taken place in the western division in the past few months are just like those that occurred in 2000.

While speaking in the I-taukei language in Ovalau last night, Bainimarama said many new religious groups are also changing old stories and practising witchcraft to suit their own political agenda.

Bainimarama said some may laugh about it but some of these groups are praying to rocks and bamboos.

He said he is also aware of religious groups that ban children from going to school.

The Prime Minister said a man from Ra who was involved in the 2000 coup, Maciu Navakasuasua has told him that he has now realized that some of the chiefs, politicians and church ministers misled them in 2000.

Bainimarama said Navakasuasua told him just last week that there are a lot of old stories in Ra that are being twisted.

This has resulted in some of the people raising their own flag.

The Prime Minister said this has also resulted in charges being laid against some chiefs and politicians.

Bainimarama said he told the people of Tavua last week to be careful of people who are trying to incite violence.

He has stressed that if people make wrong choices they will end up in prison.

Bainimarama said the Fijian economy is growing and people do not need to join this political talk as this will only take us back.

He has reiterated that the FijiFirst is looking after every Fijian even if they are supporters of SODELPA, National Federation Party or any other political party.

Bainimarama highlighted that he wants to clarify this as there was a lot of talk during the election campaign about the I-taukei.

He said he wants to make it clear that he was one of those who compiled the 2013 constitution.

Bainimarama stressed that I-taukei rights and their land are all well protected in the constitution.

He also spoke about government initiatives including tuition free education, free bus fare and increased social welfare assistance.

Bainimarama said this did not happen in the past especially for the I-taukei.