Enforcing laws to foster social cohesion cannot work unless the attitudes of Fijians are shaped to embrace these changes - Dr Waqainabete

Enforcing laws to foster social cohesion cannot work unless the attitudes of Fijians are shaped to embrace these changes - Dr Waqainabete

By Rashika Kumar
Friday 27/09/2019
[Photo: Fijian Government]

Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says enacting and enforcing legislation such as the common national identity and electoral reforms such as a non‑racial electoral system and the Tertiary Educations Loans Scheme initiative cannot foster social cohesion unless a social change whereby the attitudes and mindsets of Fijians are shaped to embrace these changes.

While speaking at the Dialogue Fiji Forum on Social Cohesion at the Pearl Resort, Dr. Waqainabete says these ideologies must be mainstreamed and sustained in the long‑term and is beyond successive governments.

He elaborates that these issues include building social cohesion, peace‑building in divided societies, addressing radicalization through hate speech and fake news and building trust in the election institutions and processes in order to strengthen electoral outcomes and quality of democracy.

He says an issue impacting the nation is misinformation given through social media about the last election.

Dr. Waqainabete says in 2018, some individuals deliberately made statements to discourage people from trusting in the electoral process. This resulted in a voter turnout of 71.9% compared to 84% in 2018.

He also says that in the last elections, fake news such as the sale of Kadavu to China, the loss of Itaukei land and the nation in bankruptcy existed.

Dr. Waqainabete adds that as recently as Monday the 23rd, fake news from a few weeks earlier of possible instability despite reassurances still caused some anxiety.

He adds that these perpetrators of fake news that intends to create fear‑mongering, instability, panic and distrust between communities must be condemned for their acts.     

He says the basis of organizing such forums is to bring together a cross‑section of the Fijian society, including the government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, media, youth and women, the private sector and faith based organizations, is to talk about issues impacting the nation and identify solutions to address them.

ADVERTISEMENT

MH Moneygram
MH Online Shopping Banner
FEATURE NEWS
Electoral Law Reform Commission to look at 5% threshold
The Electoral Law Reform Commission will be looking at the requirement of five percent threshold, which means 23,000 votes to get into the Parliament....
45 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Naduvalo double helps Fiji win Singapore 7s
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side has won the HSBC Singapore 7s after beating Kenya 21-12 in the final thanks to a double by speedster ...
9 hours ago

Embrace the teachings of the Ramayan - Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali
We should embrace the teachings of Lord Ram and the Ramayan that will benefit our lives. Preacher of Laqere Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali, Ishwar ...
15 hours ago

Quick action by NFA saves lives as fire breaks out in Nabua restaurant
A fire broke out at the Aosen Restaurant in Nabua this afternoon, however, quick action by the National Fire Authority saved lives. The owner of ...
16 hours ago

Argentina crowned World SVNS Series league winners after qualifying for semi finals in Singapore
Argentina have made history yet again after being crowned the 2024/2025 HSBC World SVNS Series league champions following their HSBC Singapore 7s ...
20 hours ago

PC Laliqavoka earns promotion to Corporal in recognition of dedication to duty
Police Constable Kaminieli Laliqavoka has been proudly promoted to the rank of Corporal by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, in recognition of his ...
20 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
4 days ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
39 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
40 days ago

TOP