The Land Force Commander has disputed the results of a recent study showing many Fijians want a smaller army with no political role.
While speaking to Pacific Beat, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said the RFMF is not involved in politics and is actually smaller than what people think.
According to the research quoted by Radio Australia by the Pacific Theological College's Institute of Research and Social Analysis, it said many people want a military which is reduced in size and subservient to the elected civilian government.
The study said Fijians want the military to continue playing a part in international peacekeeping operations, and maintain its role in national development through disaster relief and building infrastructure.
Colonel Tikoitoga said people should understand that the military in totality is not involved in the daily running of the country.
He said the army has been subservient to an elected government in the past and will do the same in the future.
However Colonel Tikoitoga said the size of the army is 3,500 and he said the study result is to suit the agenda of certain people.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Tikoitoga disputes study
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