31 Mar 2015

NFP leader says Fiji PM 'dictatorial' over flag

8:40 am on 31 March 2015

The leader of Fiji's National Federation Party says the Government is still acting dictatorially as it tries to change the flag without the consent of the people.

The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, says many new designs are being sent in, as part of a nationwide competition that ends on May the 1st.

Professor Biman Prasad says he won't be supporting any other design of flag.

The leader of the Fiji National Federation Party, Biman Prasad.

The leader of the Fiji National Federation Party, Biman Prasad. Photo: RNZ / Sally Round

He says it's an important issue and there are many Fijians on both sides of the debate.

"The Government should not behave in a dictatorial manner, the government did not win the election on this particular issue. The right thing for the government to do is to call for a referendum. I mean they are out of dictatorship, we have a parliamentary democracy, and the people must have a choice. I mean democracy is about giving people a choice."

The leader of Fiji's NFP, Professor Biman Prasad, who says the Government is pre-empting its own process by stating its views on what colour the flag should be.