VILLAGERS have been urged by the Constitution Commission to speak their minds on any issue without fear.
Speaking at the constitution consultations at Nacula Village, commission members Taufa Vakatale and Professor Satendra Nandan told the villagers not to be afraid of the government or the military.
"Do not be afraid, you can make any submission on any issue even if you are commenting against the military or the government," said Ms Vakatale.
Prof Nandan said the commission was independent since the beginning of the exercise and people should not be afraid to voice what they really felt and articulate their vision for a better Fiji.
"There may be some hesitation in the beginning, there may be some comments from some that might not be very helpful but at the moment there is a new atmosphere, there is a new climate of fearlessness and freedom and full participation of the people," he said.
Prof Nandan said it did not seem that people were scared and that there were some politicians who made bold suggestions along with some ordinary people and professionals.
"People should express themselves freely and fearlessly.
"There is nothing that should prevent them from saying what they want to say.
"The Prime Minister has urged the people, the chairman of the commission has been urging them on our vision.
"We must hear fearless and free submissions from our people and we must hear their views and their vision for Fiji and anything else they want to say.
"This is a great opportunity and a great challenge for the commission to take all these views and see what they can do to help constitutionally in helping our people build the new Fiji we all dream of," Prof Nandan said.