5 Feb 2015

Petition circulates against Fiji flag change plan

4:13 pm on 5 February 2015

A petition is circulating in Fiji to call for the government to stop its move to change the national flag.

The prime minister Frank Bainimarama this week announced that the flag will be changed and its colonial symbols dispensed with, making it more relevant to modern Fiji.

He plans to hold a national competition to design a new flag, with the aim of hoisting it on the 45th anniversary of independence in October.

One of the petition's organisers, the President of the youth wing of the opposition Sodelpa party, Peter Waqavonovono, says people need to be consulted first.

"The Khaiyum and Bainimarama gopvernment have actually forgotten about the process on how you bring about change to the people of Fiji. You need to consult the people before you bring about changes to the flag or our national identity."

Peter Waqavonovono