Source: Social Democratic Liberal Party
SUVA, FIJI
— The Party Leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), Hon. Aseri Radrodro MP, has issued a firm statement calling for calm, mature, and responsible public discourse following recent inflammatory comments circulating on social media.
The statement responds to a public post made by Paula Manumanunitoga, which contained aggressive language, violent threats—including referencing “roasting” fellow citizens in earth ovens—and racially divisive rhetoric aimed at non-indigenous Fijians regarding the 1874 Deed of Cession.
“There comes a time when we must draw a clear line between standing up for our traditional leaders and resorting to hostility, vulgarity, and explicit threats against our fellow citizens,” stated Hon. Aseri Radrodro.
“Paula Manumanunitoga is entitled to his views, as is every Fijian. However, freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, maturity, and respect. Having a political opinion or defending our chiefs does not give anyone a licence to use abusive language, make violent threats, or issue rhetoric that risks creating deep ethnic divisions among our people.”
While SODELPA remains steadfastly committed to upholding the dignity of the vanua, protecting indigenous heritage, and honoring the role of traditional chiefs, the party firmly rejects the notion that respect for chiefs can be promoted through intimidation or hostility toward other communities.
“Let us be clear: our chiefs are integral to our history, identity, and the fabric of our nation, and they should not be subjected to personal attacks or contempt.
However, defending our chiefs does not require threatening others or telling our fellow citizens to ‘shut up’ and leave.
Any legitimate discussion surrounding our traditional institutions must be grounded in facts, reasoned argument, and mutual respect—not personal hostility or violent threats.”
Hon. Radrodro highlighted that Fiji’s strength lies in peaceful coexistence, constitutional order, and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
“The vanua represents our heritage, identity, genealogy, customary responsibilities, and relationships that have sustained our communities across generations.
It is a foundation of care and unity, not a tool for provocation or humiliation.
Those who speak out in defense of our institutions must lead by example, demonstrating tolerance, dignity, and restraint.
Threatening language and inflammatory rhetoric do not protect our chiefs; they only diminish the nobility of the causes we seek to uphold.”
“Respect for our chiefs does not mean enforcing silence through fear.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate.
As Fijians, we must never lose sight of the values that should guide our national conversation: respect for one another, appreciation of our shared history, fairness in our conduct, and responsibility in our words.”
SODELPA calls on all public figures, community advocates, and citizens to refrain from issuing statements that promote fear or ethnic division, and instead contribute to constructive dialogue that strengthens the unity, peace, and progress of Fiji.