Cmdr Bainimarama has pledged to create a culturally vibrant Fiji

In a speech to a government reform body, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the role of the armed forces in public life needed to be reviewed.

He spoke of "fundamental problems and issues" that needed to be solved - but did not elaborate on what they were.

Cmdr Bainimarama took power two years ago in Fiji's fourth coup in 20 years.

Fiji's armed forces are the most powerful in the region, outside Australia and New Zealand.

Cmdr Bainimarama frequently clashed with the government he overthrew, which tried to limit the power of the 3,500-strong military.

Election pledge

His regime has now given a group of politicians and community leaders, known as the National Council for Building a Better Fiji, the task of framing a so-called people's charter.

The armed forces chief - and self-styled prime minister - said the people's charter should ensure Fiji becomes a non-racist, culturally vibrant, united, well-governed and democratic nation.

Addressing the council, Cmdr Bainimarama said: "As the current head of Fiji's military, I am very much aware of the concerns regarding what is now being widely described as the 'coup culture' in Fiji.

"Fiji must rid itself of this reputation, and for us to be able to do this, we must address the fundamental problems and issues."

Cmdr Bainimarama has previously pledged to hold elections in 2009, although correspondents have questioned his commitment to restoring the democratic process.

He seized power in December 2006, ousting a government he accused of corruption and racism.

He said Laisenia Qarase's policies favoured the indigenous Fijian people over the ethnic Indian minority - which makes up almost 40% of the population.