Your views Misleading Headline

‘A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself’

Sharvada Sharma, Solicitor-General, Suva

We refer to the article written by Mr. Nemani Delaibatiki on page 2 of the Fiji Sun

yesterday (15 January 2021) containing the headline, “Namosimalua Finally Goes After Being Caught in Parliament’s Political Crossfire”.

The headline is grossly misleading as it creates the impression that the non-renewal of Ms Namosimalua’s acting appointment was a political decision or was influenced by political considerations.

It is disturbing that the Fiji Sun has used such a headline to undermine the independence of the appointment process for the position of the Secretary-General to Parliament, without providing any details on how the alleged “political crossfire” has influenced the decision made by the Constitutional Offices Commission.

Such sensationalised reporting is highly irresponsible and undermines independent institutions of the State.

The appointment of the Secretary-General to Parliament is not based on any political machination or debate in Parliament.

As is mandated under the Fijian Constitution, any decision by the Constitutional Offices Commission with respect to the appointment to any constitutional office is made strictly on merit, following an open, transparent and competitive selection process.

An appropriate clarification/apology must be prominently published by the intomorrow’s edition.