RFMF makes submission on Flag Bills

The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces has said the clauses in the National Flag Protection Bill and the Coat of Arms Bill are sufficient and cover all aspects of the way the RFMF uses the flag on uniforms.

While presenting the submission on behalf of the RFMF to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Land Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho said the bill also adequately covers the hoisting of the national flag on Military establishments and onboard Naval ships.

Qiliho said the RFMF is of the view that the two bills will protect our nation’s highest national symbol.

He said there is no provision in the bill that states that the Coat of Arms can be flown on the Presidential Vehicle and also used on the identification plate.

Qiliho added that the bill does not state that the Coat of Arms can be hoisted on the Presidential Vehicle where the President is the Reviewing Officer during official parades.

The RFMF has suggested that if the intention is to continue with the current practice where the Coat of Arms is used on the Presidential Vehicle then it should be specified in the bill.