Fiji PM not flinching on Fiji flag

Transcript

The Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama wants a new flag by July this year and it seems he'll get it.

Despite delays and mounting resistance to the move Mr Bainimarama is refusing to entertain the idea of a referendum.

Bridget Tunnicliffe reports.

Just before Christmas the government put off a decision on the country's new flag.  That came after Frank Bainimarama extended the consultation period by six months in June amid growing opposition to the move.  And the prime minister had to explain again in parliament this week, why the country should have a change.

FRANK BAINIMARAMA:  We believe that Fijians share an aspiration to have a national symbol that reflects our present state as a nation. That has indigenous and truly Fijian symbols of identity and that we can honour and defend as an authentic expression of our nation, now and into the future.

The plan to change the flag was first floated in February last year.  A flag design competition resulted in 23 designs that could replace the existing flag.  In March five designs will be chosen through the prime minister's office and then the public will have three months to select one.  Frank Bainimarama told parliament the response had been overwhelmingly positive.  But the opposition Whip, Ratu Isoa Tikoca, says that's not the case.

RATU ISOA TIKOCA:  We also visit our country too and they say otherwise, the only thing that comes up with them are [is the country's] drive towards autocracy. Why are you not including out of the five flags also this? Why not and give the people the right to choose.

Another opposition MP told parliament that the prime minister was contradicting himself.

OPPOSITION MP:  Just last week the honourable prime minister was saying that he respects the noble banner blue and has served proudly under it and those are sentiments that resonate with the vast majority of the people in Fiji. He projects himself as a man of the people, how can he then take away something so highly revered and dear to the people of Fiji?

The opposition leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa, asked the Prime Minister to have a referendum on the flag but Mr Bainimarama is not flinching.

FRANK BAINIMARAMA:  The union flag, the British Lion, and the cross of St George are British symbols, not ours. As an independent nation we have the right to covet our own identity in the world.

Mr Bainimarama says Fijians can still submit feedback under the consultation process until February the 29th.  The government says it expects to announce the new flag on July the 1st and it will be raised on Constitution Day in September.